Topic: sticky clutch?? need help...

[Jasondo]

So I am pretty far into a resto of a 76 cb400F and yesterday I finally got to put the chain on and ran into a problem. I put the chain on in neutral and everything went well. Took the bike off the stand and shifted into 1st to discover that even with the clutch lever fully squeezed it still felt like it was in gear. after rocking the bike back and forth a bit it sort of broke free and moves but with very heavy resistance.   here is a bit of history on the motor. I bought it used and I have never had it run yet and as far as I know this engine has sat for many many years.  Is it possible that the clutch plates have stuck them selves together?  It is a wet clutch and I did already add fresh oil . I am also very certain that the clutch cable is adjusted properly and that is not the issue.  Does anybody have any advise???  is this a common problem on engines that have sat for a very long time . I am hoping that after It starts for the first time and the oil circulates that this will go away on its own??? I can replace the clutch but don't want to if I don't have to...

please advise.

Thanks!

Jason


 

[rb550four]

J, sat for years? and fresh motor oil would do the trick? Not usually especially if it had no oil in it before , and if it comes from an area with temperature fluctuations. Sounds like it has rust in it too me.
You are gonna loose your new oil any ways,This is what I would do at very least: Get shop manual,
Drain the oil
Remove clutch cover
disassemble clutch and inspect it , replace warn parts ,clean up the rest
if you get new discs , lay them in crankcase oil overnight before re assembly,new gasket and re assemble
If the 400 has an oil pan , take it down and see what is laying in the bottom of it.Clean the pan if satisfied, replace gasket if there is one and button it up. fill with oil and onto the next thing.

Note: you are already into $60 worth of gaskets , might as well purchase the entire kit, you may be using the other gaskets soon and it's better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them.       

[ekpent]

Most 750's I buy that have set for long have the plates stuck together. I sometimes tie the lever back to the handle while I am working on them. I have not had one yet that won't free up and work once the engine has been started and warmed and fresh oil circulated around well.Works for me for starters.
   That being said taking the clutch apart,cleaning it well and giving it a pre soak would probably be the diligent thing to do for most people.

[bbi]

my 2 cents,  I have lots of older bikes but new to sohc forum.  all my older RDs if sitting for more than a couple weeks the clutch will do exactly what your saying.  with engine running they make a pretty good kachunk when engaged for the first time  if its been sitting a while. new clutch new oil new basket new hub no difference btw my daytona special back in 1980 in highschool would do it too.  If it was me run it but thats me also my 400f that I'm building with a new cluch is dragging.
just my 2 cents some may not agree

[strynboen]

mine bikes do it every vinter..il newer start it inside,,at the first start up
,
.not after i almost broke the vall with the cbx 1000...varm up and start in gear..and take the front breakes..

some puts a schdriver in the chlutch handel vinter over.so it not groving the plates together..but that vear prob the springs??

[Jasondo]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will listen to the majority of you and leave it alone until I get it started and warmed up to allow the oil to circulate between the plate as much as possible. Then go from there....

Jason

[ekpent]

Give the cable a lube also if its been sitting for years. Makes a difference.

[Steve_K]

I used to work on 60's English bikes and the plates work stick together.  We would bump start them and ride with the clutch lever pulled to the handle bar.  It would loosen up after a few blocks.  Note: until the plates free up, you cannot stop unless you kill the engine.  Be careful if using that method.
You can also would pull the clutch lever and kick it over.  It works on a 550,  but I am not sure about 750s and 400s. 
Steve

[trueblue]

When I had my 650 pulled down while rebuilding it the plates stuck together.  I started the bike, pushed it along till I was moving at a slow jog, jumped on and snicked it into first with the clutch pulled in rode along riding the rear brake till the clutch released, didn't take very long.  Now when I start after a few weeks sitting the first time I click it into gear it clunks in a little hard but after that it is good till it sits for a few weeks .