"Mr. Question" How to drain forks, 85 650

[Naches]

I've looked in the manual I have (1983 650) and there's no indication of a drain screw/bolt for the forks. I'd like to drain them to replace the fluid (just finished flushing the brake and clutch lines and cylinders: brown and black, respectively: this poor bike was abused!) Later I'll put new fork gaskets etc in. Now, I just want fresh fluid.
How do I drain those suckers?

Feeling very noobish.

TIA

[ExTex]

Go look on the forks...  There is a drain bolt on each one.

The Clymer manual indicates how to change oil on pages 40-41.

Remove the top covers of the forks
Bleed off all of the air
Support the engine securely, so that the front wheel is off the ground
Unscrew the fork top caps  slowly and remove the fork spacers.
Place a pan under the fork drain area, and unscrew the drain screw
Allow all of the oil to drain out  (>5 minutes)
Replace the drain screw gaskets if necessary
Refill each fork with specified quantity of Dextron AFT or 10 wt oil.
Inspect the o-rings on the top cap and replace if necessary
Install the fork spacer and top cap.  Be sure to get the top cap started so as to NOT cross thread the cap.
Tighten to 15-30Nm or 11-22 Ft Lbs
Install the top covers


Use a plastic baby bottle to measure the volumes.
Left fork:     462-467 cc  or 15.6-15.8 oz  (has TRAC function so uses more oil)
Right Fork:  447-452 cc      15.2-15.3 oz

Ride Safely.

[Naches]

I put a can under the left fork last night, opened the hex bolt on the bottom, facing the ground, of the fork, pumped a little air up top and next morning had a bit of very nasty looking ATF.
I assume that's the drain bolt you're speaking of?

[ExTex]

Yes, the drain bolt is a hex head, 10mm wrench, I think.
Because of the difference in the forks due to the TRAC,
the drain bolts are located slightly different.

It may not be a good idea to pressurize the forks.  6 psi is the highest recommended.
It is possible to cause leaks with too much pressure.

You may want to replace the oil with ATF and then change it again after ~600 miles,
to insure that you have cleaned out the old thick stuff.

Ride safely,
 

[Naches]

Thanks, Extex. I didn't put much pressure in: and the seals are already leaking. The bike is in serious state of no maintenance. Anyway, I was planning on what you suggested: fill and run the bike, this winter I'll take the forks off and do a thorough cleaning and re-sealing.
Thanks for your suggestions.