scg, add a signature line similar to mine '2004 Softail Deuce FXSTDI' with all the letters for future reference.

 

the problem can also be caused if the spring plate in the middle of the clutch pack is going bad and loosing it's rivets ...

 

Exactly.,,,

 

I agree with both, don't just adjust the cable, adjust the clutch, per the manual...see if that corrects your issue. YD

 

So if it is a clutch adjustment or internal problem like thrust bearing or clutch springs why is it effecting only 3rd gear and sometimes 5th. Doesn't make sense to me

 

I'm agreeing with FreedomRider on this one.
Just got done replacing my clutch with an extra plate clutch kit from Barnett for very similar problems. Found that the rivets on that spring plate had let go. Before I tore it apart I adjusted the clutch 10 ways to Sunday, but it never got better. The spring plate was a bad design.

Good Luck.

 

I'd check into this as well. When my spring plate went, it was hard to shift, only between 1st and 2nd gear. I replaced mine with the SE heavy duty clutch.

 

It seems that you have challenged every suggestion that has been posted to help you...

What makes sense is to do the simplest cheapest things first, and since you haven`t even adjusted the clutch properly yet there is no way to know if there is even a problem.

Open up your service manual and it will tell you, the first thing you do when having shifting problems is to ADJUST THE CLUTCH.

Does that make sense to you?

Good luck

 

One sign that a clutch pack is going is that "i put it away last winter and it worked perfectly" They will setup and not disengage..... I know it's intermittent and only in 3rd or sometimes 5th. But that's what is sounds like.. 55k?

 

ok finally had a chance to work on the bike. Pulled the derby cover and loosened the lock nut which was very tight. Best I could tell it was around 1/3 to 1/2 turns out. I readjusted it to about 1 then about 1 1/2 turns out. Still seems to be grabbing about the same spot each time. Can someone tell me how the screw relates to where the clutch handle grabs. Does less turns make it grab closer to the handle bars or the opposite.

thanks