Hey guys, I've read around on here a ton, but never posted: here is my first!
Got hit by a drunk driver on the 91 freeway about a year ago. I won't go into too much detail, but my shin bone was stickin out the front of my leg. Sad day. Anyways, FINALLY walking again, finally getting the Dyna (FXDXT) going again. I've got the bike completely back together and I've run into a problem...
Bike is a 2001 Dyna FXDXT. The shift shaft was broken in the accident, so I just removed the entire inner primary to get a new one in there. I also changed out my clutch cable to a brand new one. The bike is completely back together, only there is NO clutch engagement whatsoever. It's like the cable is pushed out so the clutch lever is always pulled (or in this case pushed) back into the grip. I tried adjusting the clutch via cable and at the adjustment allen screw inside the primary to no avail. There is no movement in the clutch plates that I can see and once I finally got some tension on the cable (adjusting it on the cable), the lever was just stiff- I couldn't pull it in at all. I am completely lost here. Anyone have any ideas on what could cause these symptoms? I've searched the forums and only found people who need to adjust their clutch, which isn't my problem. Something may have happened in the accident or something could have happened during the reassembly (I'm usually pretty darn particular though).

By the way, I tried starting the bike in gear, which worked and I actually rode it up and down the street- ran beautifully. Everything is working great, I just have no clutch. HELP!!!!

 

I thought the clutch plates might be frozen after sitting or something. That's why I started it in gear thinking it might break them loose.

 

Take off the tranny side cover and check the ball/ramp assy and the pushrod.

 

Like Dawg say, from what you describe, I would say you did not get the snap ring back in that retains the ramp plate. If you know for sure you did or think you did recheck other side first I have see the adjuster on the clutch side be so burred up from some overtighten that large fine thread nut that it fills like the bottom. When it's a mile off. My opinion is the you should start with the derby cover off. Break the lock nut and screw the allen screw in while levering the clutch. Make sure you do not over loosen the free play in the cable too much. Most people think you need it totally backed off but this is not true for OEM parts. If you cannot fill and movement of the plunger rod, the snap ring must have popped out.

 

thanks guys, I'll check the ball/ramp assy and the pushrod. It's got to be something in there. I'll check the snap ring too. RIPSAW, you say to not over loosen the freeplay in the cable too much- there is total freeplay right now. The cable is pushed out so that my lever is completely free (when not messing with it, it sits against my grip). Also, I can't lever the clutch, because there is nothing to pull in. My clutch lever sits as though it's already pulled in. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for the posts guys. Anyone else with any opinions, please help!

 

Yes, it makes since. Can I assume after you finished your work, it was this way or was it correct. If correct, then it's probably the snap ring. If it's never been correct since working on it, is the adjustment for the cable free play totally screwed in? Just trying to save you the trouble of taking the side off the transmission.

 

Hah, u guys were right. It was the ramp/ ball assy. Didn't have the tab on the lower plater in the right groove. Apparently I just needed to step back for a night (: thanks guys! The help is much appreciated!!!

 

That's cool. Love happy ending and people who get back. Few do..

 

No problem, good to hear.

 

Adjusted clutch 20 times clutch lever hard no movement. 95 Harley electra glide, put Ultima 6 speed upgrade, now clutch can't get adjusted, ramp assy. Good, lost....