Strange Clutch Issue Help Needed
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Florida
Strange Clutch Issue Help Needed
I was heading to Key West for the poker run and an accident shut down the highway. Very slow stop and go traffic for about 30 minutes. A lot of clutch use.
I started feeling something kind of click though the clutch lever. Enough to notice but all was good. Pulled the clutch in one last time and the cable gave like it had broken.
Here is the strange part. The clutch was engaged allowing a shift. It wouldn't re engage the transmission. I've had clutches go before, but never had a total release and free play in the cable. I've had clutches go before and wouldn't engage, preventing me from shifting gears. This has done the opposite.
The first symptom is a clutch cable that has turned lose.
But, that wouldn't leave the clutch totally engaged (neutral).
Any ideas before I tear into it tomorrow. Anyone else have this happen.
If you have questions, ask away.
Never made it to Key West dammit...
First time ever on a tow truck.
I started feeling something kind of click though the clutch lever. Enough to notice but all was good. Pulled the clutch in one last time and the cable gave like it had broken.
Here is the strange part. The clutch was engaged allowing a shift. It wouldn't re engage the transmission. I've had clutches go before, but never had a total release and free play in the cable. I've had clutches go before and wouldn't engage, preventing me from shifting gears. This has done the opposite.
The first symptom is a clutch cable that has turned lose.
But, that wouldn't leave the clutch totally engaged (neutral).
Any ideas before I tear into it tomorrow. Anyone else have this happen.
If you have questions, ask away.
Never made it to Key West dammit...
First time ever on a tow truck.
Last edited by Jonesee; Sep 21, 2013 at 07:29 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
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From: Republic of Texas
I wonder if the broke cable hung and left the clutch disengaged with you just getting the free play end on the lever. I can't see all of them plates and springs not grabbing with the cable gone otherwise. Let us know what it is. This is a new one one me. I have lost cables before and you had to limp it home by shifting on the fly, finding neutral or killing the engine to stop.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
I had that happen on my "93 ultra. Some how the ***** and ramp set up in the trans cover got out of place. I had to do a clutch adjustment. Loosened the cable, and adjusted the clutch pac to get back going. Never happened again after that.,,
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From: Florida
Is that correct?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Florida
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
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From: Delaware
Have you adjusted the clutch pack recently? If the ramp/ball assembly isn't completely seated prior to doing the rest of the adjustment procedure you could create a situation where the ramp/ball assembly needs to be put back together. I've heard of cases where backing off the cable didn't allow the ***** to seat all the way so the clutch pack was adjusted with the ***** partway up the ramp. I imagine this could allow them to leave the ramps. The clicking might have been while they were working over the edge. Take the cover off and look.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 342
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From: western slope Colorado
the three ***** come out of their notches in the ramp. this can very easily be done on the road( ask me how I know). tip the bike over on the left side. might want to find a container and drain out some trans oil first, dont need to drain all of it out though. loosen clutch cable, pull cover and reinstall ***** put all back together , readjust clutch and fill trans. enjoy!!!
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From: Florida
OK an update of sorts.
Put the bike on the jack. Took the transmission cover off, pulled the linkage cam out, the ***** were seated. Not it. Put it back together.
Went over the other side, pulled the derby cover off. checked the adjustment on the clutch. Seems tight but is where it was. Working the clutch during the adjustment, it appeared to work and the clutch was engaging and releasing the transmission.
Tightened everything back up.
SAME DAMN SITUATION.
I'm wondering about the clutch basket now.
Any ideas?
Put the bike on the jack. Took the transmission cover off, pulled the linkage cam out, the ***** were seated. Not it. Put it back together.
Went over the other side, pulled the derby cover off. checked the adjustment on the clutch. Seems tight but is where it was. Working the clutch during the adjustment, it appeared to work and the clutch was engaging and releasing the transmission.
Tightened everything back up.
SAME DAMN SITUATION.
I'm wondering about the clutch basket now.
Any ideas?