Sticking Clutch

[Mark H-W]

Hello All Once Again,

Further to my last cry for help. I would appear that I had 2 faults.

The first I have pinned down to the clutch switch, so with the switch shorted out till I can order a new one, the engine turns over.

However the the clutch would appear to be permanently stuck. You can select any gear however when you pull the clutch lever the internals of the clutch mechanism fail to operate.

I have tried starting the bike in gear to see if the rotation will free things up. Surprise Surprise No Joy

Help!!

 

[Rob Farmer]

I'd pull the gearbox out. It's only an hours work.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Is the clutch release bearing thingy stuck in the rear sleeve of the gearbox?

there used to be issues with these when the bikes were hot? maybe yours has goo and corrosion holding it or is the cable naffed

Or as Rob says drop the box back maybe the pushrod is sticking somewhere

 

[Mark H-W]

Clutch

Thanks Rob & DrFarkoff.

Unfortunately I have no garage and I reside in deepest darkest wettest wales.

The bike was running fine and dandy till I left it stand unused

The cable and arm appear to be operating freely. Is there any way of freeing it off?

Thanks Again

 

[Rob Farmer]

The chances are the gearbox splines have never been lubed and the clutch plate has rusted to the splines. You either have to shock the clutch to get it moving or pride it off in either case you need to get some grease on those splines.

 

[Mark H-W]

How do I shock the clutch

I would agree that possibly best to take the box off, however weather and circumstances make that not the best option at this time.

What is the best way, other than scaring it, to shock the clutch?

 

[Steptoe]

The metal particules in the clutch friction material have seized to the cover and pressure plate.

Park the bike with the front wheel against a wall or something solid.
Run the engine for 5 minutes, bang it into gear, and it'll free off.

I've freed off dozens of bikes this way over the years without any problems.

 

[steve in nz]

The metal particules in the clutch friction material have seized to the cover and pressure plate.

Park the bike with the front wheel against a wall or something solid.
Run the engine for 5 minutes, bang it into gear, and it'll free off.

I've freed off dozens of bikes this way over the years without any problems.

ps make sure the wall is solid

 

[Womble]

Assuming that airheads don't have plastic sight glasses like oilheads, is it still OK to run an airhead for 5 minutes while stationary? Not demeaning Steptoe's good advice, just curious!

 

[Steptoe]

Assuming that airheads don't have plastic sight glasses like oilheads, is it still OK to run an airhead for 5 minutes while stationary? Not demeaning Steptoe's good advice, just curious!

The old police airheads in london used to sit idling for far far longer without any problem. Aircooled, large fins on the cylinders = do a good job.

 

[Mark H-W]

Sticking Clutch. Thank You

Thank you all for your words of advice.

All is now working well and the old GS is pulling like a steam train.

The final solution was a combination of advice from Dr Farkoff, Steptoe and Steve (SED)

I ran the engine till warm, switched it off, then started in gear, on the centre stand. I then opened the throttle in first and throttled off rapidly. After 2 or 3 attempts the fault cleared.

Thanks Again

Mark