Topic: Jammed shifter

[EzeeE]

I have a 78 550K four with a jammed shifter.  It's stuck in 1st and won't budge.  I tried adjusting the clutch cable at both the lever end and the engine end with no luck. Any thoughts, suggestions as to how to trouble shoot this?
Thanks!
E

[bjbuchanan]

try rocking the bike while pulling up with your hand. If rocking and pulling up won't work then you know its getting more internal.

I know on my bike(750 tho) if i didn't have the tranny/shifter cover gasket on I couldn't get it to really shift at all. Maybe that?

Besides that I'm tapped out

Good luck

[EzeeE]

Thanks, I tried rocking and pulling up with my hand and nothing happened.

[MoMo]

You will need to pull the clutch cover and clutch to inspect the shift linkage. Hopefully it is just a broken spring on the shift shaft arm. If that is OK you will then have to disassemble the bottom end. and Welcome to the forum...Larry

You can download the manual from this site if you do not have one.

[dave500]

a guy a little while ago had a similar problem,remove the clutch cover and look if any springs have popped of.

[MoMo]

thanks for posting the photo Dave as that is the springs I was referring to...Larry

[Jay D.]

Had same problem in my K0.  The spring in the upper left was gone.  Found the remnants in the oil pan.  I originally made my own spring from a longer one (Sears hardware) but eventually purchased a parts motor and robbed it from there.  Although it was a pain in the neck it was a relief to find that it was this and not a more complicated issue. 

[EzeeE]

thanks for the input and photo! that's really helpful!
I was finally able to move it yesterday as we've been hit with some really bad weather and a gas shortage. I'll open her up soon and diagnose.
Thanks again!