The main problem seems to be that shifting from one gear to the next isn't as smooth and effortless as it used to be. The amount of foot pressure required to shift causes me to push right by neutral and into second.

Anyway, thanks for all your replies. I'll keep trying them until something or nothing works and let yooz know.

 

Sounds like the clutch is dragging. Why? That's the question. If there's nothing mechanical wrong, then try switching to ATF in the primary as a start and a full synthetic transmission gear oil.

 

I agree the 5 speed is a great shifting transmission, especially with the latest design shift drum and shifter pawl.

But difficulty finding neutral has been the nature of the beast on many 5 speed transmissions, especially the earlier models before the roller detent shift drum.

Hey Man:

If this is a new issue, you may consider looking at your clutch plates and (as 1997 bagger suggested), make sure that riveted spring plate hasn`t failed, it can make a mess.

 

Try measuring the amount of movement at the clutch pressure plate with a dial indicator and let us know the amount.. you will need at least .070" of travel... Also if your clutch is all stock, do as others suggested and inspect the plates and get rid of the spring plate.. When I was having the same issues I was only getting .066" of travel on my pressure plate and I tried everything to get more travel to find nuetral. After exhausting all normal adjustments I tried a set of 10 mm ***** (which are .3937")​ in the ramp which are a little bigger than the 3/8" ***** (@ .375") that made .018" more separation in the clutch pack. (.084") than the stock *****.. never had an issue since..

 

98: Where do you get the 10MM *****?

The AC/DC song comes to mind....

 

I'm with 98hotrodfatboy! I did the exact same thing with the 10mm ball bearings. And I can't get that AC/DC song out of my head! But that's okay because I like AC/DC. I got mine from Mcmaster Carr. But really you have go through the clutch system to find out what's going on. Per the FSM, remove, inspect, measure and if all is okay, clean and reinstall. But really if it's out, a new one is going to go back in, in most cases.

 

IIRC I got mine off Amazon.

 

Yup eBay... Just make sure you measure them and that they truly are 0.3937" in diameter...

And yes I have BIG *****.... Lol...

 

"And my ***** are always bouncing, To the left and to the right. It's my belief that my big ***** should be held every night."
The leftover bearings make for some pretty mean sling shot ammo too!

 

sounds like the spring plate is coming apart in the middle of the clutch pack ... that's where I would look