If the system(s) wasn't 100% cleaned before switching to DOT 5, you will continue to have problems. Not just flushed, but disassembled & every part scrubbed clean.

It wasn't...

What sort of problems are we talking about?

And if I do pull it apart - how does one clean out things like the master, which I can't disassemble, and the interior of the lines?

Can't go shooting brake cleaner into them, unless I just want to toss them in the trash.  So how does one clear stuff out of thsoe innards?

The not very technical term would be "goup".
I've never done the conversion, only dealt with the aftermath & cleaned & refilled with DOT 3/4. I'm not sure what to use to flush with if you're going to convert to DOT 5, check with a Harley dealer, they use DOT 5 on all their bikes.

Just consulted with a HD certified buddy.  The though is that a thorough and careful flush to ensure the systems as DOT 5 as possible will probably do.  Careful, thorough and slow.

Man I wish that shop hadn't have put DOT 5 in my DOT 4 system.  Hopefully a slow careful flush will do and I won't have to take apart my brake system...

My advice was based on cost verses risk since you have expensive components.  Unfortunately, Norm's advice is textbook correct.  Been there, seen it.In the early days of silicone fluid, not only was silicone considered the cure for brake hydraulic woes, it was considered safe to mix.  Brake system autopsy showed what Norm describes.  There are a lot more pitfalls with silicone that a google search will expose.

Anyway, any feedback from Fred? 

Quote from: howie on August 27, 2008, 08:52:08 AM
My advice was based on cost verses risk since you have expensive components.  Unfortunately, Norm's advice is textbook correct.  Been there, seen it.In the early days of silicone fluid, not only was silicone considered the cure for brake hydraulic woes, it was considered safe to mix.  Brake system autopsy showed what Norm describes.  There are a lot more pitfalls with silicone that a google search will expose.

Anyway, any feedback from Fred? 

I haven't spoken to Fred yet, since I'm still gathering some info.. But the crappy part is I'm getting some conflicts, so I'm not 100% what to ask him.

Yeah, I've found a more technical reference of 'precipitate' forming when the different fluids are mixed - but I bet the 'goop' is the most accurate description of what happens.

Gonna hound the HD guy for some more details... and might be needing to talk to the shop that started this in the 1st place.

Let us know how things work out, I know several people that have succesfully converted to DOT 5.
I was helping a guy at Daytona a few years back & he was almost out of fluid, so he want to the store, bought some DOT 5, & topped off without consulting anyone. His description of of coming off the banking and braking for turn one on the 1st lap was priceless.

Quote from: Norm on August 27, 2008, 09:30:43 AM
His description of of coming off the banking and braking for turn one on the 1st lap was priceless.

Do tell.  I could use a good story - and hearing another's description might help me feel things out

Do your brakes "pump up" if you pump the handle rapidly, then weaken shortly thereafter? That's typically the tell-tale sign of air in the line.....

Did some bleed work this evening and got some air out.  But it's not what it should be yet.  So more bleeding to come since it'd seem there's air in thar. 

Part of me is wondering if I should go back to DOT 4.  Drain out what's in the system and flush flush flush with DOT 4... or is this just asking for (more) troubles

Quote from: someguy on August 27, 2008, 12:19:57 PM
Do your brakes "pump up" if you pump the handle rapidly, then weaken shortly thereafter? That's typically the tell-tale sign of air in the line.....

Seems so.  Just did some fussing and a lot of lever pulling and things got firmer and felt more like they aught to.  I'll wager you're right and when I pull the lever in the morning, it'll be mush again. 

You can try flushing with DOT 4, that should make bleeding easier, but you will still have some DOT 5 left behind.  Doh! (smacking self on head)  I think there is a bleed screw inside your master **9 reservoir, there is one on the R version.  Take a look.

Well I bled it. pumped a bunch and strapped the lever to the bar over night.  This AM I removed said strap and things felt a lot more solid.  - But I'll have to see after a days sitting w/o the lever pulled how it fairs.

Right now, I think I'll bleed some more DOT5, since it's already in there.  If I cannot cure the initial mush, then I'll be looking to DOT 4 again   

I wish I had a bleeder on the master - at least not an obvious one.  I've seem masters where there's the standard bleeder nipple right by the banjo connection.  I don't have that.  OR are you referring to something else even more hidden?

Quote from: yuu on August 29, 2008, 09:18:20 AM
Well I bled it. pumped a bunch and strapped the lever to the bar over night.  This AM I removed said strap and things felt a lot more solid.  - But I'll have to see after a days sitting w/o the lever pulled how it fairs.

Right now, I think I'll bleed some more DOT5, since it's already in there.  If I cannot cure the initial mush, then I'll be looking to DOT 4 again   

I wish I had a bleeder on the master - at least not an obvious one.  I've seem masters where there's the standard bleeder nipple right by the banjo connection.  I don't have that.  OR are you referring to something else even more hidden?

Yes, inside the reservoir.  A screw, not a nipple.  I'm not sure if yours has it.

Quote from: howie on August 29, 2008, 11:24:51 AM
Yes, inside the reservoir.  A screw, not a nipple.  I'm not sure if yours has it.

I don't believe it does.  The only thing in the reservoir is a bolt/washer combo jobbie that secures the plastic reservoir to the metal body of the master. 

Well just to update this for anyone following.  A good bit of time, probably even more fluid later, and it seems sorted.  I bled the brakes on sunday and got a decent bit of air out.  There was improvement but not back to what it was - but I was running low on fluid and a party was starting so I went and had me a .

This evening I got more DOT5 and went to it again.  I got few more good size air bubbles out, the biggest being about a mm in diameter.  After a refill and draw down, after I saw was the last bubble I sealed it up and things were feeling a lot firmer.  Hopefully it'll be that firm tomorrow - cross your fingers for me.