Forte Hydraulic clutch fluid question

[JV1953]

I have just put the first 500 miles on my roadster. Checking over everything after each drive. I have noticed my clutch fluid turned dark. I have been running Motul DOT 5.1 in front and rear brakes (Separated the reservoirs) and in the clutch system. Both brake systems fluid looks brand new. Any thoughts!? Has anyone seen this before?

Thanks, John

[cc2Arider]

I'll take a stab at this...

I understand that 5.1 fluid has a high boiling point. Commensurate with that is a high water absorbtion(sp?) rate. I'll postulate that the clutch fluid simply doesn't get hot enough to boil off any residual moisture in your clutch system like it might for your brake circuit...hence darker fluid because it has already absorbed moisture.

Craig C

[Ted G]

I had this same problem. I convince myself that it was just a dirty line that Mike supplied. I bled out all the dirty fluid and added more. Maybe I should check again.

Oh, almost forgot, the fluid in the reservoir was sparkling clean.

[Mastertech5]

I understood that only Dot 3 or 4 should be used because of rubber compatability issues.

[RoadRacer]

I understood that only Dot 3 or 4 should be used because of rubber compatability issues.

Agreed. Dot 3 in clutch was specified by McLeod too.

[Sigurd]

DOT 5.1 is compatable, DOT 5 is not

[Mastertech5]

DOT 5.1 is compatable, DOT 5 is not

Ooohh. Didn't know that. Never heard of 5.1. Good to know.

[JV1953]

I had this same problem. I convince myself that it was just a dirty line that Mike supplied. I bled out all the dirty fluid and added more. Maybe I should check again.

Oh, almost forgot, the fluid in the reservoir was sparkling clean.

I am seeing it in the reservoir dirty. I would be interested if your bleeding helped. Thanks

[Ted G]

I am seeing it in the reservoir dirty. I would be interested if your bleeding helped. Thanks

I just checked the reservoir.... still sparkling clean. I haven't checked the lower cylinder yet but may this weekend just to see. I used DOT 4

[JV1953]

I just checked the reservoir.... still sparkling clean. I haven't checked the lower cylinder yet but may this weekend just to see. I used DOT 4

Thank you Ted! I will flush this weekend. Appreciate your insight