Clutch Drag

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ejnogaski

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Hey all,

So I've got some questions about my clutch. I have a '79 xs650. Long story short I had to take a mechanic to court to get my bike back. It looks like he messed with the engine in spite.

He had taken both side covers off. I was putting it back together and working with clutch. I haven't put any oil in it yet. I've adjusted the clutch push screw worm thing but even when I pull in the clutch, it doesn't disengage. For example if it is in gear and I pull in the clutch lever I still can't roll the bike forwards or backwards.

Any ideas? Could it be because there isn't any oil in it? All help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
That may be normal. These bikes exhibit quite a bit of clutch drag with the motor off even with oil in them. Best way to test would be to start it and try the clutch while it's running.
 
The bike will not roll even with the clutch pulled in. It will, but not like you would think. It's quite difficult. I would start it up and see if the clutch works. I suggest pulling the front wheel up against a wall or something to block it, start it, pull in the clutch, and put it in first. If it doesn't jump or stall it's good and you can slowly let the clutch out to see where it starts to engage. Make sure you properly adjust it first. Oh, and put oil in it before you start it :)
 
On a side note, how do you know if the clutch pushrod bearing is still in the engine? Does it just roll out if the engine is tipped on the side?
 
If you mean the ball bearing, if it wasn't there you wouldn't have much resistance in the clutch lever, if any.
 
The missing ball can be compensated for by adjusting the worm gear screw. That doesn't make things right though. The system is designed so that there should be a ball between each 2 rods. The adjuster screw in the worm gear can be considered as just a very short rod. With the side cover or worm gear removed, remove the adjuster screw. If the ball is missing, you'll be able to see right through the worm gear. No worries here, a guy on eBay sells used balls for $25, lol.
 
Yeah I'm not wondering about the ball bearing in the worm drive, I'm wondering about the ball bearing that is suppossed to be between the two pushrods (that is inside the engine).
 
Pull the push rod, tip the bike and if the ball is there it may roll down and you can see it. It won't roll out through the seal.
If nothing rolls down so you can see it don't mean the ball is missing. There maybe enough oil on the ball to hold it in place. A small mgnet on a rod will reach in and pull the ball to the seal.
I have a magnet on a telescoping rod that fits through the seal. You can get one at most anywhere tools are sold.
 

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