[xero_langer]

I have a 1985 honda magna 700 with clutch issues. I can turn on my bike in neutral no problem, but when i hold the clutch and put it into gear but it acts like i dont hold down the clutch, and i put on the rear brake and it dies. I've bleed the fluid, replaced the clutch switch, has a new starter and battery. I look at the wiring diagram and the line for the clutch switch runs to the silicon rectifier and the starter. I ohm tested the wire at the switch to the starter and it reads full strength. But when i check for voltage i get nothing. I'm really confused, some help would be greatly appreciated...

ps all the fuses are good

 

[artistic_gore]

When you put it into gear is it surging forward?

 

[xero_langer]

yes it is surging, as if you were speed shifting into first...

 

[Aussie Steve]

You either have air still in the clutch system or there is no pressure reaching the push rod. In the case of the latter this would indicate a problem with the master cylinder at the handle or the slave cylinder at the rod. In effect you are getting no clutch action at all. There could be one other possible fault which is the clutch plates are gummed up due to lack of use.

Recheck the fluid for air...if the system worked fine before the fluid bleed then this is the likely cause. Also check all lines for security and leaks.

To get stubborn air from the system try pumping the clutch lever several times before opening the bleed nipple. This has the effect of building pressure up in the line and forcing the bubbles of air out. Make sure the nipple has a tube attached and is submerged in clean fluid before you open it or air will enter in from there. If you are still having problems a trick is to tie the lever back overnight and then redo the bleed.

Good luck

 

[xero_langer]

Ive bleed the fluid for the last 2 days with no air bubbles. I disassembled the master cylinder (newly rebuilt) and the piston seems to work fine, i cleaned it and put it back together... i had read something about the rubber "O" rings possibly not keeping the pressure in, and something to the effect of soaking them in starter fluid for them to expand...is that a true statement or is someone blowin steam.

also, if the clutch plates are indeed gummed up, how do i clean them?

thanks

 

[Aussie Steve]

Not too sure of the seals...makes sense I guess but from memory of servicing car master cylinders this was never necessary.

As for the plates you will have to remove all of the plates and soak them in clean oil for a day. This entails dismantling the clutch of course. As your clutch is not working anyway it may be a good idea to do this to get a clearer picture of what is going on.

Another way...albeit a bit iffy... is to get the bike running by bump start and try and slip the clutch as you travel this may get the plates to seperate especialy if the oil gets nice and hot, however, you may find they gum up again overnight.

Good luck

 

[Easy Rider]

yes it is surging, as if you were speed shifting into first...

First the wild idea: Does that model have a side-stand safety switch ? (doubtful) If it does, you might be chasing the wrong thing entirely.

If it really is a clutch problem:
Do you feel good resistance when you pull the lever....over at least half of the lever travel....and if you hold it pulled in, does the lever keep "pulling back"? If so, I think you can stop bleeding the system.

How long since the bike has actually been ridden?

Try this: Let it run long enough to get up near normal operating temperature.
Pull in the clutch. Rev the engine a few times, pausing a few seconds between each rev. Let it idle for at least 10 seconds, still holding the clutch in. Try to shift to 2nd gear.

Also, with the clutch pulled in, can you start it with it IN gear? I would think you should be able to. Doing that, in a higher gear, might break the plates free too. If the starter still runs with the kill-switch OFF, it might be safer to do it that way.

 

[DrBob]

to free sricking clutch plates, with the bike off, put it in third gear and rock the snot out of it forward and back.
If the clutch plates are not sticking, I have to ask if you bled the master cylinder. you csn pump fluid through the lines all day long, but there can still be air in the master cylinder. Try bleeding it at the banjo bolt instead of at the slave cylinder.
if that doesn't work, bring it to a shop. You have already wasted money and time swapping parts that have nothing to do with the problem, so it might be time to bite the bullet and at least get it fixed.

 

[xero_langer]

accually they o rings they were talkin bout were in the slave cylinder, as for the bump shift...we tried that once and it definitely dint work, plus also wreaked lol... but im trying to take the plate offa the clutch, but im having some issues with stripped screws, ill get it eventually...

 

[Easy Rider]

ill get it eventually...

Really ?

It don't look good from this angle!