able to shift without holding clutch in

ScoobyD · #1 07-02-2008, 01:29 PM

i'm in the process of getting my 77 ironhead up and running and now when the bike is off , i can shift into gears without holding the clutch in.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; Also if feels like it is only shifting into 2 or 3 gears sometimes, othertimes only 2 gears.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; (this is all with bike in driveway, no riding)....also when bike is in gear it will 'lock' so it won\\\\\\;t roll but holding the clutch in doesn't release it....(i can still put it in neutral)

What is the possible problem and solution?&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; Bikes been sitting for 5 yrs, but last time i rode it then it was all ok.

Previously during the week is was working somewhat, but it also when in gear and revved up, would jump forward a little.

Thanks

Dave

fergerburger · #2 07-02-2008, 02:02 PM

if the bike has been sitting the plates will stick and it will not release.&nbsp\\; my bike sat two years and the plates stuck after sitting
&nbsp\\;
if it ran fine when you parked it i would guess the tranny is okay but you'll have to pull the clutch pack and deal with the sticking plates
&nbsp\\;
as for the tranny shifting and sticking sometimes&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; my tranny will shift throught the gears when it sits as well and will make it through all 4 when you rock it so i'm not sure that you have a problem there

piniongear · #3 07-02-2008, 02:30 PM

Basically you need something turning to shift gears.
If the bike is rolling (engine off) the chain makes trans parts turn and allows shifts.
If the engine is idling, the primary chain makes trans parts turn and allows shifts.
If you are just sitting there on the bike, it will not shift into all the gears.
The transmission gears have gears that slide on mainshaft and counter shaft to allow gear changes. Additionally, the gears have dogs that engage in slots to lock the gears in place.
All of this requires the parts to be moving inside the trans.
The clutch is meaningless unless you are under power.
You can sit there and rock the bike back and forth and get it to go into every gear easily, but not sitting with nothing moving.

As said before, the bike sitting for a few years has the clutch plates gummed up. You may be able to free it up just by cranking up the engine and riding it some. Put 50 miles on the bike and see if the clutch is not better.
Problems, you do not have..........pg

fergerburger · #4 07-02-2008, 03:38 PM

5 years is a long time to sit but maybe PG is right about letting it idle and heat up.&nbsp\\; who knows, maybe the plates will release but be careful putting it into gear if the clutch is locked

piniongear · #5 07-02-2008, 04:45 PM

Yeah, I would just crank it up and let the engine warm.
Then just roll it down the driveway and put it into first while it is rolling.
You do not even need to use the clutch.
Then you can come to a stop with the clutch lever pulled in and force the bike to a stop using the brake pedal.
It (the clutch) will break loose. Then ride it for 20 or 30 miles and see if it is not better......pg