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HELP! Clutch problems

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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 03:42 PM
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Default HELP! Clutch problems

Here we go folks here is my problem it is with the clutch.

I put new bars on my 07' FXST... I went from the stock bars to Carlini cleansweeps not a major change using the stock cables... Did the reassembly and started the clutch adjustment in accordance with the service manual but I can not get the clutch to release... I pull the lever in and the bike stays in gear... I have the durby cover off and made all the adjustments, called friend at HD shop to check that I'm making them right he says yes but still can't get the clutch into proper adjustment...

What am I missing??? No other major changes where made just slacked the clutch cable to change the bars...

Please any help... Thanx...
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 03:53 PM
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Just a guess from the limited info you provided, but is the clutch lever all slack (no resistance at all?) If so you need to run the clutch pushrod adjustment bolt in further. Screw it in all the way and leave it there without backing it out the recommended turns (for now.) Then take the slack out of the cable. If you still have no clutch then something probably went wonky with the ball and ramps on the other side of the transmission (the side the clutch cable enters.) Sometimes that can happen when you mess with the clutch cable too much without any tension on it. (And yes, to pull that cover off you have to drain the transmission oil first.)

 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 04:03 PM
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Thanx, I did slack the clutch cable all the way and did the push rod adjustment... When I tension the clutch cable up to speck I can only pull the lever in a little bit, if I back out the push rod I can pull the lever in more as I back out the push rod. But none of these adjustment will allow the bike to roll when I pull the lever...

I guess I will check the transmission side I was hoping not to have to... Another trip to the HD shop for a new gasket and taking off my V&H exhaust...

Please keep the advice coming... It is starting to warm and I'm itching to ride...
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 04:22 PM
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There are a few good threads on here concerning clutch adjustment. I just recently did mine, thanks to the forums was able to figure it out. Some of this may be redundant but, when you tighten the adjustment bolt watch the tension bring the clutch lever out....in otherwords dont worry what the book has to say about the adjustment (because it wont work). Once the lever is out you should be able to get it in gear.....once you got it in gear take it for test run and adjust from there. Where in Richmond are you? I might be able to just go down there tomorrow if your still screwed with it.....PM me and let me know.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 04:33 PM
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Yes, when the cable is slack, you can't pull the lever in or you risk "flipping" the ramp on the right side. Pull the right side cover and put the ramp as far towards the rear of the bike as it will go and re-insatall the cover. ( If the gasket came off cleanly you can probably re-use it. If you pull the cover w/o draining the oil, you'll lose about 5 oz of tranny fluid. Good Luck.

'00 FLTRSEI
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 04:44 PM
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I am not sure this is your problem, but if you are making the adjustment and getting the lever to adjust out, where you can pull it. You pulled in and let it out a few times to let the bearing move on the ramps you have done it correctly.
It sounds like your clutch pack is sticking. Mine does it all the time. Put the bike in neutral start it put it in gear and the clutch pack will disengage.
If I walk out right now and jump on my mine pull in the clutch, with it in gear and not started, the clutch will not disengage the tranny, until I shift in neutral and start it. This is the reason why you should never start a Harley with it in gear, only using the clutch.
I hope that makes sense.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 05:59 PM
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Default Sound good I will give it a shot...

Originally Posted by tlb
I am not sure this is your problem, but if you are making the adjustment and getting the lever to adjust out, where you can pull it. You pulled in and let it out a few times to let the bearing move on the ramps you have done it correctly.
It sounds like your clutch pack is sticking. Mine does it all the time. Put the bike in neutral start it put it in gear and the clutch pack will disengage.
If I walk out right now and jump on my mine pull in the clutch, with it in gear and not started, the clutch will not disengage the tranny, until I shift in neutral and start it. This is the reason why you should never start a Harley with it in gear, only using the clutch.
I hope that makes sense.
I can turn in the adjustment rod and the hand lever moves out, so I will follow the advice and try and start it and see what I get... I have not owned this bike long enough to know all its quirks.. I will let ya know how it gos... Thanks
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 06:03 PM
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Default Thanks...

Originally Posted by Stiggy
Yes, when the cable is slack, you can't pull the lever in or you risk "flipping" the ramp on the right side. Pull the right side cover and put the ramp as far towards the rear of the bike as it will go and re-insatall the cover. ( If the gasket came off cleanly you can probably re-use it. If you pull the cover w/o draining the oil, you'll lose about 5 oz of tranny fluid. Good Luck.

'00 FLTRSEI
I am going to try the start it up method, I'm a little worried I hope this will not cause any damage but every thing else seams to point at that... If that dose not do it then I will check the ramp, thanks for the info about the gasket and oil...!
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 06:52 PM
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Default Up Date...

So I did the adjustment according to the SM put the durby cover back on and started it up in neutral. I put it in gear it made a loud thump but not bad sounding and no other noises, I let the clutch out and nada, nothing no gear... So????? I may try the adjustment again and restart after that on to the ramp...
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 08:15 PM
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Well that sucks, try adjusting the way this link explains it.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/trans...-easy-way.html
 
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