1986 FXST Custom

OK, My clutch was going out or so I assumed. And I found that I could simply tighten the clutch cable to get the bike home. Well, I did that soo much (pulling over and continued to tighten about 5 times)....that the arm on top of the tranny that holds the end of the cable was so far forward, it was hitting the oil lines coming out of the bottom of the wrap around oil tank.

I put a new clutch in the bike and a new cable. But the arm seems really loose and is still too far forward. How can I fix this?? I have two service manuals. Clymer and another one. Can't think of the name. Losing patience with this. Any ideas??

Can I just drain the tranny and pull the side cover? Maybe fix something in there?? IDK.

Thanks!!

 

You need to back the cable adjustment totally off then loosen the 7/8" locknut in the clutch center. Screw the allen head screw in until it stops, then back it out about 1/2 turn. Tighten the locknut then adjust the cable for free play. If that doesn't do it, you may have a problem in the cover (shift finger or throwout bearing)

And get a geniune HD Service Manual - you'll be glad you did, really.

 

Youve may have Busted the throwout bearing and or clutch fork...Try the adjustment mention above first,if that helps great,if not pull the right side cover off and see what the damage is in there.

 

Thanks guys. I had to tighten the allen all the way in. I only have about two turns on the lock nut. It still hits the oil lines but not as bad. And it's ridable right now. Does this mean I need a new throwout??

Thanks!! At least I see light at the end of the tunnel now!

 

Been a while since I touched a dry clutch but seems some had an adjustment on the cable housing and others at the abutment on the transmission housing (where the cable housing ends) and some had both.

Sure wouldn't hurt to take a look in the trans cover. There's a shaft "finger" that's somewhat notorious for breaking, could be yours is cracked or something - like i said, it's been a long time and only was into a few. If the throwout bearing is toast - it'll be obvious. The center adjusting screw is normally almost "buried" in the locknut with maybe a thread or 2 showing at the most.

Number 110 is the "finger" I mentioned...

 

my 85 had #110 break too. just take the side cover off the trans. the 6 sided one on the carb side of the bike. it's about a 15 minute job to change #110. there isn't anything behind the cover to fall apart. if the fingers are broke they will fall out but that is all that could happen. when i change mine last year the part was about $9. i didn't even change the gasket. i reused the one that was on there and it didn't leak. you can change it if you want tho. take the cover off first before you buy #110. if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

A great guy just wrote and reminded me that I was F'n up...

Though the right side (throwout arrangement) is like the dry clutch, that's a wet clutch setup...

Main thing is make sure you have at least a tiny bit of free play in the lever and if it's not releasing that's your bothered with, post back and we'll help you get that tidy

 

The throwout bearing is what the finger pushes on.If the finger breaks you will have nothing.The arrangement of the throw bear, is a Race/washer,pancake bearing,Race/washer.Then a snap ring holds it on the shaft.I have seen the bearing go bad allowing the arm to move farther forward,in any case its worth a look.it is not a difficult task.

 

when i bought my new finger i took 2 of them. 1 extra for the tour pac just in case. this job can be a roadside fix if you have the tools.