Topic: Strange clutch problem

[mac1340]

I have a 76 cb750 chopper. Smith Bros/Fetrow stretched frame etc. I just got it. It had drag bars on it and I got apes for it.I was driving it with the drag bars on.Ayway,  I had to change the cables.Got to the clutch cable and took the old cable off. Waited a week till the new cable came. Put the longer one on and the clutch didn't work. The clutch arm really wouldn't move but a tiny bit and wouldn't disengage. I can adjust the screw and back it off like a guy would normally do but the outer shaft that the arm that the cable attaches to doesn't move or it barelly moves. WTF? I can't figure out what happened in the span of a week. Shouldn't that turn freely and why doesn't it/ I rocked the bike in 1st and 2nd gear, no change. Something went to hell on it? I'm left scratching my head and was about to blow a gasket as I need to be riding. Any thoughts fellas?

[madmtnmotors]

Initial cable adjustment is done where the cable enters the clutch cover. The adjuster is built into the outer sleeve of the cable itself. A new cable may require substantial adjustment. The final (fine tuning) adjusment is done with the knurled knob at the clutch lever. Look at it and if you're still not sure then I could post some picts later today.

[KB02]

You say you tried rocking it back and forth in 1st and 2nd gear, did the bike roll free? Or did the engine compression stop it? From the way you have described it, I might have your answer - or I might not - it depends on how you answer this question.

[Spanner 1]

The length of the 'free' inner cable is critical for the cable to work at all.!..... sometimes the 'new' cable's inner is too long, compare the new with old, new should be slightly shorter than old ( allowing for stretch ).....

[mac1340]

Thanks for the replies. The cable adjustment is not the issue.I understand how to adjust the cable cover length. The issue is the arm that the end of the cable attaches to down by the clutch, doesn't move. I can turn the adjustment screw till I feel the contact, back it off a 1/4 turn, and am not able to pull the arm forward like it should. (the shaft that the screw is in, that comes out of the clutch doesn't move,just back and forth a little)Not even with a vise grip on it I can't pull it forward. I can turn the adjustment screw in untill the clutch disengages and the bike will roll, but the arm/lever that the cable actuates doesn't move. I guess I'll have to pull the cover off and see what is causing it not to turn.KBO2 , I carock it in gear and compression will stop it. The only way it'll move is to turn the adjusting screw in untill the clutch disengages. Maybe the pushrod is bent? Very odd. Sat a.m. I will take it apart I guess. what is strange is that it worked before I removed the cable. I did nothing to it.

[madmtnmotors]

A picture of the arm/cable assembly might help. If it worked before, it should work now. Can't imagine a cable change would cause any internal problem. Something may be out of place, and a picture might stir someone here. I've been known to overlook the obvious... more often than I would like to admit. Keep us posted and let us know what you find.

[KB02]

Almost makes me think there is something wring with the new cable (wasn't what I thought it was, sorry...).

Try putting the old cable back on and see what it does.

[754]

 If you are sure itsnot cable, spend the 8 minutes and take the cover off..

[mac1340]

Like I said, cable has nothing to do with it. The arm that the cable attaches to doesnt move even if I pry or clamp a vise grip on it and pull. So anyway i took the clutch apart, the pressure plates, friction discs etc. spec out so they are fine and the springs appear o.k.,they are the same length. The mechanism with the three steel bearings that pushes the lifter plate seem to work fine when the cover is off.Can't see anything that would prevent the clutch lever arm from not moving.So I then 
put it all back together and same crap. Took it apart 2 or three times, same thing. i gues i will try and pick the brain of someone at the Honda dealership. My son, who has an associate degree in auto mechanics came over for supper and looked at and took it apart and was baffled too. Thanks for the replies, probably something wierd or a fluke. Just strange that it worked before and now its f****d.

[mac1340]

I got it to work. I'm an idiot who can't see the forest through the trees. It's kinda like my HD but not quite the same. lesson learned. i'm gonna go put my knees in the breeze today. Thanks for the replies fellas.

[KB02]

So what was the problem? Glad it's working now for you. nothing worse than a problem you can't figure out.

[madmtnmotors]

Yeah, what was the problem? Please share so that others may learn to avoid making the same mistake.