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Clutch not disengaging

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Will Breymeier, Mar 12, 2016.

  1. Will Breymeier

    Will Breymeier New Member

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    Hey guys, just wondering if someone knew what was going on here. Clutch depressed but it never interrupts the power to the wheel. It even seems to move the wheel slightly in neutral. I have an 82 Maxim 650. Thanks
     
  2. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    It could be lots of things. In many bikes the clutch plates stick together if they haven't been used in awhile. The "awhile" is very ambiguous as some do it as quickly as overnight. That is just the oil sticking them together and generally are easily freed by starting the bike and engaging the clutch with the rear brake held. It could be notches worn into the clutch basket.
    Is the clutch lever very hard to operate? I have found in 2 Yamahas recently that the clutches were almost completely inoperable because the cables were so stuck in the sheath due lack of lubrication. That is a simple job but messy if you don't have the little pressure lube tool.
    More info will make more help easier. How long since you used the bike, things like that. Good luck!
    John
     
  3. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    Re-reading your post, the wheel moving in neutral is not a problem, most bikes will do that due to the oil in the transmission being cold and thick and dragging the driven gears with them. If the wheel is just barely moving with the engine running in neutral I think you will find you can easily hold the wheel with your hand and it will not continue to move.
     
  4. Will Breymeier

    Will Breymeier New Member

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    Thanks for the reply, yes the wheel is easily stopped by hand in neutral. I will try braking to free the plates. The way it goes with this particular bike is that I bought it off my buddy. He broke the middle drive gear by doing burnouts, which I have since replaced. Before I bought it off of him, it sat for about a year and before that there was no issue with the clutch.. thanks again for your help.
     
  5. Will Breymeier

    Will Breymeier New Member

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    Also, the clutch lever and cable are both in great condition. So whatever is happening is on the inside
     
  6. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    the wheel is supposed to move due to the wet clutch when on the centerstand clutch in.
    are you saying that when in gear and you pull in the clutch lever the bike keeps moving and wont stop with wheels on the ground?
    try some seafoam in the oil it will clean up the clutch discs.

    it could also be that you have chunks of steel in between the clutch plates.
    if you have not inspected it you may want to pop the clutch cover and see what you get for movement if the seafoam does not work.
    did you clean out the motor when you replaced the gear?
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2016
  7. Will Breymeier

    Will Breymeier New Member

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    Yes that's exactly what I'm saying. Thank you, I'll try that
     
  8. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    Well, that is disappointing. I was hoping for something simple. Maybe breaking the plates loose will help. I mentioned the cable issue only because I had recently found 2 different bikes "with clutch issues" that were the cables stuck! I had never had that problem before in way too many years and bikes to think about.
    Good luck with the seafoam trial.
    John
     
  9. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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  10. Will Breymeier

    Will Breymeier New Member

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    Thanks for everyone's help.. it was just sticking ... the cable was never the issue
     
  11. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    If the bike has been sitting for some extended period (weeks/months) the clutch plates can get seriously glued together by the oil and spring pressure. It may be necessary to disassemble the clutch and pry/pop the plates apart. When taking apart note where the plates fit together as many times there is a dot on the clutch basket and it should line up with a certain portion of the plates, I am not sure about XJ's and don't have a manual right at hand to check for you. When apart a soak of the fiber plates in clean oil and check the steel plates for flatness is appropriate. Then just pay attention so the plates go back in as they came out. Not hard, just messy and tedious, as most things done right with motorcycles!
    Good Luck,
    John
     
  12. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    Did you make certain the clutch arm has complete throw out during the rebuild?

    Gary H.
     
  13. Will Breymeier

    Will Breymeier New Member

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    Yes I did, all is well now. I Made some minor lever side clutch cable adjustments while riding. She runs strong. Thank you all for the help.
     

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