1. Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Clutch questions

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Bolakor, Jan 6, 2019.

  1. Bolakor

    Bolakor New Member

    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Griffin
    So, I just bought an 85 xj700, and the previous owner says he put a new clutch in it, and as a new rider I cant say I know too much about how it mechanically functions, but I do know a clutch shouldn't take about 200 tons of force to pull the lever to the bar. The cable might be rusted, but I was wondering if anyone here would have any kind of experience with moving a mountain just to disengage the clutch. And if anyone had any tips for what to do before I waste money replacing the cable that might now be the issue. Thanks
     
  2. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,225
    Likes Received:
    324
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada
    I would disconnect the clutch cable at the arm on the engine and see if the cable is hard to slide. If it is stiff you could try to lube the cable.
     
  3. cds1984

    cds1984 Active Member

    Messages:
    902
    Likes Received:
    195
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Perth, Western Australia
    +1 and if it isn't the cable there is the difference in clutch springs.
    I know that the 750 clutch springs are a gentle squeeze compared to the 900F clutch springs and either will fit into the pressure plate.
     
  4. Bolakor

    Bolakor New Member

    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Griffin
    I'll take a look at disconnecting it when I get back from work, all I know is that it shouldn't take a world class strongman to pull the lever back.
     
  5. Simmy

    Simmy Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,261
    Likes Received:
    1,126
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Waterloo Ontario Canada
    What you describe is typically caused by someone replacing the clutch and screwing the springs too far in.
    This eliminates the easy part of the stroke when disengaging the clutch.
    Once you 1st eliminate the possibility it is just a stuck cable, order a replacement clutch cover gasket.
    Drain the oil (you can lean it over instead), pull the clutch cover and check the 5 (I think it's 5?) bolts and springs.
    Back them all out and set them as per the manual.
     
  6. Bolakor

    Bolakor New Member

    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Griffin
    The cable was sticking, the clutch is now acting normal. Now to just practice with the clutch and get used to shifting with feet instead of hands
     
  7. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    13,199
    Likes Received:
    3,854
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Great North Woods
    remember you can feather the clutch (not let it all out) to get rolling
     
  8. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    13,199
    Likes Received:
    3,854
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Great North Woods
    lube all your cables
     
  9. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,225
    Likes Received:
    324
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada
    If in doubt replace a cable. Nothing is worse then a broken clutch cable in th middle of a busy inersection.
     
  10. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    13,199
    Likes Received:
    3,854
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Great North Woods
    or carry a spare until it breaks. make sure your spare is lubed as they come dry new
     
    chacal likes this.
  11. Bolakor

    Bolakor New Member

    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Griffin
    I will be replacing it. I'm building a list, and so far it's not terribly long.

    Though, while I have you all here, a question on cleaning the gas tank. The inside of it is absolutely grody, it looks like my work boots in there. A friend of mine who has built and owned bikes since before i was born said that i should mix sea foam and gas in the tank, mix it around, let it sit for a while, rinse and repeat. My uncle however, said to fill the tank with bbs and water and shake it until I cant anymore, then shake it some more. Anything that you all would recommend? I can get a picture of the inside of the tank when i get home if that would help
     
  12. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    13,199
    Likes Received:
    3,854
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Great North Woods
    The Information Overload Hour is a good link to read this is in the thread

    - FUEL TANK INTERNAL RUST REMOVAL AND SEALING:

    For most owners, replacement fuel tanks are not available, and so the issue becomes "how to de-rust" an original tank. Although there are a variety of methods which can be used, there are plus-and-minus considerations to each method or technique.

    Here are a few other good ways to de-rust metal products:

    - soak iron (steel) parts in heated vinegar (doesn’t matter what kind) overnight, then rinse with clean water. and finally spray with fogging oil (or similar) to prevent rust from re-forming.

    http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Removing_rust_from_a_gas_tank

    http://users.eastlink.ca/~pspencer/nsaeta/electrolysis.html

    http://www.moreg.org.au/dissolving_rust.htm

    http://www.htpaa.org.au/article-electro.php

    http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/32838

    http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php...val-no-frills-easiest-fastest-cheapest.48196/

    http://www.robertscycle.com/chrome-clean.html

    http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/teds-2nd-82-xj750-maxim-bobber-project.47929/#post-478002

    http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general-archive/rust-removal-using-molasses-90452/
     
  13. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

    Messages:
    8,866
    Likes Received:
    1,780
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The room where it happened
    Electrolysis is by far and away the best method for de-rusting a tank, but it's a kinda-sorta PITA to perform (especially if it's your first de-rusting rodeo).

    If it's just fuel sludge, then a washout with berryman's carb cleaner or the like will do wonders (make sure to remove the petcock, the fuel filler cap, and fuel level sender unit before using berryman's).
     

Share This Page