Clutch slipping?

Hey guys, I have an 83 Midnight Maxim that y'all have been very helpful with solving problems. I think my clutch is slipping because I was riding and I lost almost all power and just smelled gasoline. The bike will start and run but it needs way to much power given to roll ahead. What parts should I be looking for and does this sound like a slipping clutch issue? Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

I'm not an expert, but symptom of a slipping clutch is normally an engine that revs up but the acceleration lags.

 

Remove the oil filler cap and smell. Does it smell like fuel?

Gary H.

 

I took off the cap and it does have a faint gas smell along with the oil smell

 

Do not start your bike again until after you've changed the oil and solved the stuck float valve issue in the carbs. Hope this helps.

Gary H.

 

have you looked at the oil level (bike on centerstand) sight glass? still see the bubble ?
what kind of oil do you use?
when you say" but it needs way to much power given to roll ahead."
do you mean high rpm or twist of the throttle and not gaining as much rpm as normal?
clutch slipping is usaly a gradual thing starts with high rpm shift slippage.

what do you mean by lost all power? engine died out lost rpm, or reves stayed high and you lost speed.

 

have you checked your wet set fuel levels with carbs mounted to motor?

 

It sounds like he's describing a holed piston. Let's hope it's not that.

Gary H.

 

That's what I'm thinking too.


Here's a quick test. Unplug the TCI (plastic box under the left side panel) and remove the spark plugs. Put your thumb over each plug hole in turn as you crank the engine. If you feel less, or no, blowback through one hole then you probably had a lean condition which burned a hole in that piston. That would allow unburned fuel to dump straight into the crankcase, hence the smell.

 

Update: Hey guys, Ive been over the bike some and done some research. The clutch plates are actually fine, a little worn but far from failing. It looks like the head gasket is failing on one corner (it hisses loud when engine was on) So im going to replace that in hopes it was just a compression problem? My exhaust system is also not put on perfectly it seems probably not helping. I checked the 'fuel in oil' situation and on closer inspection I dont think theres any fuel mixed in.
Of course I snapped a screw taking the head cover off so gotta extract that as well.
Any tips on getting old fuel lines off without damaging them?
As for the piston thats something ill have to check. Im new to this so that sounds a little daunting.

 

Old fuel lines should be replaced with new. Cut the old ones off.

 

Simple answers for simple problems I suppose my xj4ever tab grows incessantly haha

 

Hey, how was the head gasket change? Mine is leaking as well but seems to only need the gasket; no valve adjust. Was it as simple as removing top end and changing out the gasket only or did it involve messing with timing?


PS: If anyones is in the Los Angeles area and has some spare time and knowledge on this I would greatly appreciate any help. I'll even drive to you with money and beer( plus burritos).

 

Please start a thread for your issue. What is the reason that you believe the head gasket to be faulty?

 

Hey kmo


Didnt think of a big of an issue. Ill make sure to start a thread, also i can see the gasket leaking oil and spitting it onto the spark cap.

 

Valve cover not head by the sounds of it.