Hi, I have an 88 softail custom that keeps losing all clutch. I had all the tranny seals done at a harley mechanic and it rode great for a couple weeks then I started losing the clutch lever one day on my way home. I adjusted the clutch the right way [losening the cable, adjusting the basket, and then taking play back out of cable] and went back out but within a mile I started getting play in the lever again. My mechanic suggested the throw out bearing so I replaced that and nothing. Now it's worse than ever, the clutch lever goes all the way to the grip with no resistance and when I got it home after a quick ride to test it I could hear the clutch basket asking noise, and it smelt burnt.. Any ideas would be great, thanks.

 

Take it to a real Harley mechanic.

 

Lol, I did, hes been around in the area for a long time, did other work for me and always been good.

 

Difference in being a part good changer and understanding how it works to produce what you get.

Your discripition is a little confusing. You say all you have is so much slack in cable, clutch does not release yet you still rode. So is it occasionally occuring or what it is now?

When you replaced throw out bearing, was it broke?

Lot of variables here. The cable, lever, ball cam cable hooks too, pushrod, adjuster screw and nut in clutch basket. Clutch. All must be correct.


If it is correct, my guess is like most occasionally clutch setters, they put so much slack in cable before setting the back off at the basket. They can't fill the clutch with lever to see when there is no play to start the 1/2 to 3/4 turn back off.

You must also at zero play, turn in a couple turns in and then find it again to make sure threads are free and deburred.
Then lock the fine thread locknut in inch lbs without turning screw or stripping it or overtightening it .

Then set cable slack to 1/16" play. All done cold.

Just guessing however.

 

Believe it or not, I was having problem similar to you and a few others.. and this procedure here fixed my clutch problems. All is well now… just a thought.. Steve

 

Is that my spill from else where? Looks like my rambling,spelling and grammer.

 

if it was then thank you! That procedure worked for me and a few other friends…
Good luck

Steve