Hi, My 96 916 Biposto looks to still have the original type of clutch slave cylinder fitted (with Hydraulic Clutch written around the bottom), which I think maybe weeping a little. After doing a bit of research it seems that the best option (keeping it original ish) is the later type with the star/toothed face ?. But I keep reading about different push rod lengths required when you change your slave cylinder ?. So, does anyone know if I will need to change the pushrod if I change to that later type slave cylinder and what I should look out for sourcing a used replacement ?. And lastly, my casing has quite a bit of paint missing as a result of historical leaks. Is there a known acceptable colour match paint that I could at least tidy it up a bit with until I get the time/chance to get the entire casing off and refurbed ?. Moochas
it's easy Looey, rods were 325 mm or later (around 2001 on) 335 mm long. If you buy an Oberon aftermarket type then a kit including a 10mm 'slug' is included to cover both options. The 'star' OEM type as you have said would suit a 335 mm pushrod which can be purchased from Ducati and is totally interchangeable if you happened to have the shorter one.
Ok thanks, So just to clarify, if I buy the later "star" type cylinder, I will need either a 10mm slug or the later Ducati supplied 335mm pushrod to go with it ?.
it looks that way but much easier to check length of currently installed pushrod just to confirm. It's around half hour job (easy) as long as nothing untoward with pushrod/not stuck hard in pressure plate bearing.
Ok thanks, I'll get onto it Anyone got any ideas on a decent paint colour match for the engine casing for a temporary tidy up ?.
The early slave cylinders are rebuildable. The seal is a couple of quid and available from Ducati. Might be worth a go and stay 100% original if that's the aim, before lumping out on a new cylinder and pushrod?
Yeah cool, that could be a good option . Not long refurbed a set of 6 pot front brake calipers which had 13 seals per caliper, so should be a breeze compared to them ?. I assume it would be a case of use the hydraulic pressure to push the piston out, clean and refit with new seal and done ?. Wouldn't even need to disconnect the hose or anything ?. Cheers again
Pretty much. Just give the bore a wipe out with some fine wet'n'dry. Watch the seal, it only fits one way...not the old one and refit as per that.
Took the Oberon cyl off my 916 and fitted an original as I was looking to make the bike totally standard. It was s/hand and siezed solid when I got it. Once stripped I cleaned up the piston and then moved on to the body which I cleaned up and then spent the next hour with worn out 1200 wet and dry with soapy water polishing the bore to a mirror finish. Fitted a new seal (which I believe is modified from the original) and it has been perfect for the last 6 years.
it's a good money saver if you are happy with the slave bore/diameter ratio i.e you're not bothered by the effort required at the lever of the original - you don't have much choice with early 750SS/900SS! It seems that the slave piston rubber is very adaptable (I think it 'bloats' quite well) when it comes to sealing diameter, I was surprised that mine still worked after removing a lot of material because of corrosion.
