Weird clutch experience today....any ideas?

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Apr 5, 2009 | 06:16 PM

#11

rbabos

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From: Woodstock, Ont , Can

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDV-GLIDE

I noticed today after riding about 150+ miles and doing a lot of stopping and starting in traffic, my clutch lever free play increased some. After I got home and the bike cooled down, the free play has decreased and back to where it should be.

I'm assuming this is normal due to the clutch plates and oil heating up???

Yes, normal. That's why it's important to adjust clutch cold. If you did it hot, it would be on the verge of slipping when cold as there would be no freeplay.
Ron

Apr 5, 2009 | 06:20 PM

#12

rbabos

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From: Woodstock, Ont , Can

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeinmemphis

Are you talking about on the clutch cable or internally inside the transmission? The lock nut on the cable was tight. If it is something internal then I'll likely take it in to get it checked out. I am scheduled to get a set of bars installed by my local indy later this week and he will be installing a new clutch cable so I guess he'll be inside the tranny cover. He can check it out if needed.

Yup. Adjusting screw behind the derby cover is where I'd look first.
Ron

Apr 5, 2009 | 06:33 PM

#13

rbabos

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From: Woodstock, Ont , Can

Quote:

Originally Posted by honestbob

I've never heard of a adjusting bolt on the clutch tighting itself up if the lock nut loosens. I've had them loosen before but that will make you have no clutch. could be a spring problem?

Most of the time I agree as it's a drag/rotation thing going on. The basket and clutch rotate counterclockwise but if the nut is not jamming the screw, drag for a split second on the release bearing will cause the pushrod contact on the screw to rotate it clockwise and tighten against the pushrod. If this happens during a shift with cold oil, there is a slight plate separation for a fraction of a second. If the screw tightens at this point it could actually not allow full plate contact in the clutch pack and slip. A lot of things to happen at once to create this effect, but totally possible if one is unlucky enough.
Ron

Apr 5, 2009 | 07:45 PM

#14

leeinmemphis

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rbabos

Yup. Adjusting screw behind the derby cover is where I'd look first.
Ron

Thanks for the info. I'll look at the service manual and try to see what you are talking about. Thanks again!

Apr 6, 2009 | 01:01 AM

#15

gunner11

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From: Roswell, NM

After you go though a drill like that, try running the bike out for about 5 minutes to cool everything down.

Jun 2, 2010 | 01:32 PM

#16

skyhawk85u

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This is a very old thread but I just had the same experience today. Playing around with some police exercises with a buddy - slow, slipping clutch, dragging brake. When done there was no free play in my clutch and it was slipping badly. I adjusted it and it still felt a little funny riding home but I think it was getting better after everything cooled down a bit. I'm waiting for it to fully cool down to see if the problem is completely gone although I suspect I'm going to have too much free play at that point. Any ideas what happened or if something deeper is wrong?