Clutch Engine clutch is always disengaged

[mjamm]

Just got a motor from a buddy and set it up on a bike with my son today. The only thing mounted was the engine, and all the parts in the box, we mounted.

It appeared all parts were in the box and nothing missing, however, when completed, the engine is always disengaged. It doesn't matter if the clutch is pull or not, the bike will roll freely.

Did my buddy do something that may have made the engine not engage properly? Any suggestions?

MJ

 

[AussieSteve]

You don't have the clutch cable adjusted too tight, do you?
(Does it do it with the cable disconnected?)

It's not a bad idea to mention which type of engine it is, too. I'm assuming it's a 48cc or 66cc Chinese (HT) engine.

 

[mjamm]

Is this RCGF Steve?

I released the clutch cable and it still spins freely.

MJ

 

[mjamm]

I forgot the engine make. I believe it is a Skyhawk 66cc. He bought it from gasbike.

 

[AussieSteve]

Is this RCGF Steve?

Dunno. What's 'RCGF'?

I released the clutch cable and it still spins freely.
MJ

It's really hard to imagine what's wrong in this case. (More often than not, they 'stick', rather than refuse to engage.)

Under the LHS, (countershaft), cover, in the centre of the countershaft is a short rod, called a 'bucking bar', (yep, that's a b), then under it in the bottom of the hole is a ball-bearing. (Don't lose this ball)
Maybe the bucking bar is jammed. Check if it moves freely.

While that cover is off, see if the clutch is still disengaged.

 

[insomniacshotrods]

Mjamm welcome to the site...take a 10mm wrench and place on the clutch arm and push toward bike to relieve pressure on cable,now slip out the cable end with the adjustable brass stop and release pressure on arm. Bike should not roll now. Look where the clutch cable goes into the first opening on motor, it is adjustable i bring mine out 1/4 inch or so. You will most likely have to move the brass stopper down toward the bottom of cable more, tighten and just play with both till it works properly...Let us know

 

[mjamm]

Resolved

Took a few days off and finally looked at the issue again. Turned out a very simple fix. The key fell out between the shaft and sprocket. Fun, Fun, Fun now. The bike fired after 4 pedals!

 

[AussieSteve]

Another woodruff key problem. There have been a rash of those lately.
Glad it was an easy fix.

 

[remichi]

I have the exact same problem that the engine is permanently disengaged, even with the left drive gear cover removed. The bucking bar and ball bearing are not stuck. So I will have to give the woodruff key a shot. Only don't know how to get to the woodruff key....