clutch not working

daninalaska · Post by **daninalaska** » Sat Sep 05, 2015 8:43 pm

Just finished restoring a 66 cl77. Attempted to shift into gear and engine died. Checked free play and is good. Was fine when last operated 2 yrs. ago. Had clutch side cover removed for gasket replacement and oil filter service during restoration. Pulled right side cover and checked for correct cable installation and lifter arm operation today and both are good. Possible clutch discs are hanging up from sitting for so long? Any suggestions ? Thanking in advance....daninalaska

Hoosier Tom · Post by **Hoosier Tom** » Sat Sep 05, 2015 10:28 pm

Quick and easy test. Squeeze the clutch lever and kick the bike over. (this is assuming you have the cable adjusted correctly). If the plates are sticking engine will turn over. If not you'll know they are free.

HT

daninalaska · Post by **daninalaska** » Sun Sep 06, 2015 2:47 pm

Thanks to Hoosier Tom for the reply. I did the test before I posted. I thought about all of the possibilities and it pretty much has to be the plates are not sliding. I'll tear into it when I get some time and let you know what I found. No need to rush now as summer is pretty much done. She'll be ready for next summer....Dan

honda brian · Post by **honda brian** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 8:54 pm

Hi Dan, if the plates are sticking as you suggest,you could tie back the clutch lever with a cable tie and leave it for a little while. Sometimes it will free the plates up. Some of the engines I build sit on a rack for a long while before I use them and I have found a similar problem twice, in that first gear cannot be selected due to clutch drag.
I have used this method with success on both occasions.
It didn't seem to adversely affect the springs when I did it, as there was no clutch slip when the bikes were running.
Regards Brian.