Drum Brake

Hello everyone... I just got a 82 650 the other day. It has a broken clutch cable and when I try to use the clutch lever (on the side casing) the clutch still does not disengage. So I think my plates may be sticking. I was wondering how much does that lever move? Mine only moves about a 1/4 inch. Is that normal? I haven’t had the time to drain the oil and pull the clutch cover off. Any good pictures or how to's on the clutch? I'm not really sure what would be normal in there. I'm kind of new to motorcycle repair although I have a lot of car/truck experience. I love the bike though. I traded for it and maybe didn’t get the best deal but after hearing it purr and tinkering with it I couldn’t say no.

Another quick question… How much oil does it take? I haven’t got a manual yet and was curious.

I'm sure I will have more questions in the near future since it does need some cleaning up and Ive never dealt with a shaft drive before.

Great site....
Thanks

 

Re: Clutch Lever

for the clutch the if its being sitting for a while its going to but stuck together i dont know how much they move as mine are stuck to. by looking at it with out measuring i think mine moves about an inch although im running a xj550 yours is different. for the oil on the clutch side of the bike it should say just above the filler cap mine takes 2200cc which is 2.2 liters yours i would assume a little more maybe 2300cc but its good to check. some one else shoudl come along with more info later but that should get your started.

the clutch will lossen up if the plates are stuck together. at least thats waht they told me. this place is great for info.glad your here.

 

Re: Clutch Lever

I didnt even notice that it was above the fill cap.(there might be dirt covering it)

Thanks

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Awalker, if you pull the oil fill plug & look inside, you may need a flash light, you can see the clutch plates. If you actuate the clutch arm on the engine case you can see if the plates are seperating. I to a piece of heavy wire, think coat hanger, bent a 90 on one end & filed a flat edge, like a screw driver blade, on it & used that to try & pull the plates apart when I engaged the actuator arm. This, new oil & letting the engine get warm got my clutch to break loose. It sat for about 20 years so it is not hopeless. See if that helps. My actuator arm will travel approx 1/2 to 3/4" when using the clutch lever on the bars.

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Thanks for the help. I'll be dropping some new oil in it tomorrow and trying to get the plates apart. Hopefully I can get it on the road by next week.

I noticed while I was letting it warm up with the choke half on that it would rev real high and i would have to let the choke off. Is this normal for this bike?

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Yes, the enrichment circuit (choke) pulls in more fuel from the float bowls & revs will be higher. Move the lever to the off position & revs should drop.

 

Re: Clutch Lever

I figured that was the case but I just want to make sure since this is a 27 year old bike that has not had as much care as it should have. Thanks

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Back to your clutch release lever-- you will NOT be able to operate it by hand, maybe move it 1/4" or so. You CAN wrap a piece of cardboard around it and grab it with giant pliers and operate it. I would recommend waiting for a new cable.

It will probably take a few good warmed-up rides after the initial oil change for the clutch to full free up and give you an idea if there's really a problem or not.

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Thanks, I just called the local shop and they have a cable in stock. I'm picking it up in the morning. Would only moving it that 1/4 inch do anything at all?

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Only take up the slack in the mechanism.

The clutch release mechanism had me baffled until I realized the thing Yamaha calls a "pushrod" actually PULLS. The shaft the throwout lever is attached to engages gear teeth on the mis-named "pushrod." When you operate the lever the shaft rotates and pulls it to lift the clutch pressure plate away from the "pack" and release the tension on the clutch. You don't have enough mechanical advantage in your hand to move it further than to take up the slack in the mechanism.

 

Re: Clutch Lever

I believe a 3/4" wrench slides over the the lever with a rag and lets you turn it as I have done that for adjsutment purposes before to see the slack when I didn't have another set of hands.

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Thanks for your help. I got the new cable on this morning and some new oil. I took it down the road and back. The cable needs a little more adjustment but the clutch is working great.

I am having some idle issues. I have to leave the choke on just a little or it dies. I'm guess the carbs needs some work.

Also the brakes suck. The front brake is low on fluid so I'll have to get some tonight after work. As for the bake brake I'm going to need to do some research on here before I mess with it.

Thanks

 

Re: Clutch Lever

Anyone have any tips on the rear drum brake? I dont really have any stopping power with it. Just take it all apart and see what it looks like? Any common issues with them?

 

Re: Clutch Lever

You can try adjusting the rear brake first before you pull the wheel.

See bigfitz's brake thread.

 

Awalker; PLEASE see my rear brake thread RIGHT AWAY: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

Shoe delamination is apparently a common problem and can have disastrous results.

 

Yes i saw your post. That is crazy. There is noway to tell unless I pull the wheel correct?

 

Correct.