Slipping Clutch. ‘97 FLHTC
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: East McKeesport,Pennsylvania
Slipping Clutch. ‘97 FLHTC
Not sure of age or miles on this clutch. It just started slipping last weekend, also hard to get in neutral. I have done many repairs on bike but never a clutch. Is this a job I want to tackle?
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: In The Woods, PA
Yeah you can do it. Common problem is that there is a spring plate in the clutch pack the grenades and jams everything up. When It happened to my '97 FLHT, I replaced the clutch pack with the screamin' eagle that has the extra plate and does away with the spring plate. You will need the tool to compress the spring to get it apart. I have one and am in Munhall, you can borrow it if you'd like. do you have a factory service manual?
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Colorado
Its called the clutch spring plate (think judder spring), that has brass rivets, and the rivets will crack, come out of the channels, and cause the problem.
Catch the problem quick enough before the loose rivets and parts do much damage, and you can just replace the spring plate.
Better yet since you just pulled the primary cover and clutch apart to get to the plates, change out the clutch to an " extra plate clutch" that does not use the spring plate instead.
P.S, when you have the primary cover off, check the spring washers on the comp as well. If needed, you can replace just the concave washer type springs on the comp, instead of having to replace the entire comp.
Catch the problem quick enough before the loose rivets and parts do much damage, and you can just replace the spring plate.
Better yet since you just pulled the primary cover and clutch apart to get to the plates, change out the clutch to an " extra plate clutch" that does not use the spring plate instead.
P.S, when you have the primary cover off, check the spring washers on the comp as well. If needed, you can replace just the concave washer type springs on the comp, instead of having to replace the entire comp.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Russellville, Arkansas
It kinda depends on which clutch you have. Most 1997 models have the clutch being talked about.
However, some late 1997 models had the updated clutch where the compressor tool is not needed. It was fitted to all 1998 up models.
I’ve seen three 1997 Cop bikes with the updated 1998 clutch that came that way from the factory.
You’ll know which one you have once the cover comes off.
However, some late 1997 models had the updated clutch where the compressor tool is not needed. It was fitted to all 1998 up models.
I’ve seen three 1997 Cop bikes with the updated 1998 clutch that came that way from the factory.
You’ll know which one you have once the cover comes off.
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From: Russellville, Arkansas
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From: Russellville, Arkansas
I would start by having the clutch cable adjusted properly. That’s by adjusting the nut first at the unit.
I would also confirm the primary chain is within spec….if not, that could make it difficult in finding neutral.
What fluid are you using in the primary?
After all that’s been and the service manual has been followed….and you still have slippage. Then more than likely, you need new plates.
If the updated clutch 1998 can be retrofitted….that I do not know for sure.
I would also confirm the primary chain is within spec….if not, that could make it difficult in finding neutral.
What fluid are you using in the primary?
After all that’s been and the service manual has been followed….and you still have slippage. Then more than likely, you need new plates.
If the updated clutch 1998 can be retrofitted….that I do not know for sure.