Iron clutch/trans

[Mutt]

A guy brought his newly built ironhead sportster in, says when ya pull in the clutch and put it in gear it would die. He was sorta right. Cranked up the bike, pulled in the clutch and went to put it in first (right hand shift) and it just makes a clattering noise. Didn't want to force it to go into gear (and I would have had to)
I'm thinking maybe a bent shifter fork? We pulled the primary cover off and the clutch assembly, all was well there. Gonna disassemble the trans tomorrow morning. Any one wanna offer up suggestions of what I might be looking for?

[hayleyl]

Mutt - sound like the clutch is not engaging properly. If it's chattering the gearbox is still spinning. Clutch rod? Adjustment? Wrong bits? Poor assembly?...cheers Hayley.

[Mutt]

The clutch handle operates like it should, has a firm pull and snaps back promptly when ya let go of it.
I wouldn't figure the clutch would be the culprit? That would be nice as it would save me a trip into the trapdoor. How would ya recommend me to adjust it from where it is right now?

[hayleyl]

Hmmmmmm - have you tried selecting a gear without machine running, pull clutch in and push it around or roll over rear wheel? Maybe try that in all gears? Sort of process of elimination. Can you put the machine in gear, pull clutch in and then roll it over (kick or electric start)? Cheers Hayley

[Mutt]

ok. Here is what I did. put it in first, tried to roll it with the clutch lever pulled in. No clutch, second, no clutch.
Removed cover and pulled entire clutch for inspection. All pieces are present and accounted for. New steels and lined plates, everything is flat. Springs are stiff like they should be.
Reassembled, adjusted clutch exactly as the service manual says. No clutch still. Trans will go into all 4 gears with no issues with motor not running.

No clutch. Any ideas now?

[55panman]

Is this a later model with the ball bearings and ramp? I've never worked on one but I heard they had problems with the throwout bearing?? Don't know, this is second hand through someone else.

[DaveC]

Is it a wet or dry clutch bike?

[Mutt]

wet, '73 XLH

[Mutt]

with the ball and ramp throw out

[mikeslemmon]

trans may be in 2 gears at the same time check .the spacing and shaft .end play