Broken Clutch cable
Thread Starter
|
Supporter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Broken Clutch cable
Was riding the other day broke the clutch cable.
Here's the catch, earlier today, my Indy, swapped my 5 speed transmission for a S.E. 6 speed which by the way is awesome.
Have about 80 miles on the new transmission and the clutch cable gives out.
checked the connection where the braided cable ties into the main clutch cable, pulled the boot back, it's covered with oil from the transmission, lots of it too!
My question, is I only have four stops to the Indy mechanic, should I tow it or try to ride it there?
Second question, can anyone tell me what the problem could be?
Here's the catch, earlier today, my Indy, swapped my 5 speed transmission for a S.E. 6 speed which by the way is awesome.
Have about 80 miles on the new transmission and the clutch cable gives out.
checked the connection where the braided cable ties into the main clutch cable, pulled the boot back, it's covered with oil from the transmission, lots of it too!
My question, is I only have four stops to the Indy mechanic, should I tow it or try to ride it there?
Second question, can anyone tell me what the problem could be?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Will need some pics but a couple question, is the cable broken or does it feel broken? If the actuator is not installed correctly and is releases it can feel like the cable broke. The cable is one piece all the way down to the chrome clutch cover by the exhaust by your right foot. That black boot your reff to is where you adjust it to pull up slack in the cable to the lever on left grip. If you can still shift into gears and its not foo far it should be alright to take to the indy...are they the ones that did the original work? I personally would have installed a new cable since they had it apart originally. I dont see how tranny oil can get all the way up to the adjuster since theres no pumping action the gears just roll around in the oil.
Thread Starter
|
Supporter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Will need some pics but a couple question, is the cable broken or does it feel broken? If the actuator is not installed correctly and is releases it can feel like the cable broke. The cable is one piece all the way down to the chrome clutch cover by the exhaust by your right foot. That black boot your reff to is where you adjust it to pull up slack in the cable to the lever on left grip. If you can still shift into gears and its not foo far it should be alright to take to the indy...are they the ones that did the original work? I personally would have installed a new cable since they had it apart originally. I dont see how tranny oil can get all the way up to the adjuster since theres no pumping action the gears just roll around in the oil.
The actuator, could be the problem, it just didn't break, I squeezed the clutch lever, and the return didn't seem right, after shifting for four or five time, I didn't have any clutch.
It was gradual.
The oil issue puzzles the bejeebers out of me!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Harley clutch cables are straight off a suspension bridge - I'd be surprised if they can break! Also the symptoms you describe don't sound like a cable problem. Definitely worth getting it back to your indy.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 59
From: Port Neches Texas
Simple look, pull the derby cover off and confirm the jam nut did not back off the clutch adjustment Allen head bolt.
If that's the problem, loosen the clutch cable, tighten the Allen head bolt until it makes contact, back off half a turn, tighten the jam nut (not sure of the torque setting) tighten the clutch cable until there is about 1/16" clearance between the clutch lever housing and the barrel on the clutch cable. 15 min job tops.
If that's the problem, loosen the clutch cable, tighten the Allen head bolt until it makes contact, back off half a turn, tighten the jam nut (not sure of the torque setting) tighten the clutch cable until there is about 1/16" clearance between the clutch lever housing and the barrel on the clutch cable. 15 min job tops.
Thread Starter
|
Supporter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
it got worse, and now I have found oil dripping out of the bottom of the outer primary!
doesn't look good to me!
doesn't look good to me!
Trending Topics
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Supporter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Took the derby cover off, the bolt from the clutch came unscrewed, took the primary off, found it lying on the bottom of the primary, tightened it back on, filled with oil, I'm good to go, thanks, guys for your comments!