Clutch

[Zac]

And yet another issue. So, my clutch was working fine after I first got my bike. I have the clutch lever with the notch thing, so I don't have to always hold in the clutch. After some time, the notch thing wouldn't fully engage the clutch, and it would stall unless I pulled the lever in all the way. I would adjust the cable, and it would be fine for a week before it happens again. Now, even with the clutch lever pulled in all the way, I can hear the cylinder rotate a little as it tries to engage. Pedaling is also difficult. Any help? Will adjusting the clutch using the flower nut help? And how do you adjust that thing? Also, a while back, I took a look at the clutch, and the little screw that stops the flower nut from moving is on so tight, the I'll wear out the head from trying to turn it.

 

[DAMIEN1307]

Use a zip tie if you have to, to hold the clutch lever all the way in order to be able to adjust the flower nut. You will find that little screw will loosen a lot easier with the tension being relieved from the pressure plate.

Now, while the clutch lever is still being held tight by the zip tie, turn the flower nut counterclockwise one "notch" at a time, (where the set screw goes in is each notch), to loosen it up a little bit so that it is not always engaging...(From what your describing though, i would back it off two notches to start with and then release the lever).

Now pull in the lever gradually and see if you can now get the bike to free wheel back and forth with the clutch lever squeezed in not quite all the way, but close...If so, you should now have it about right as well as being able to pedal easier as well...DAMIEN

 

[Zac]

Thanks

 

[Chainlube]

Use a zip tie if you have to, to hold the clutch lever all the way in order to be able to adjust the flower nut. You will find that little screw will loosen a lot easier with the tension being relieved from the pressure plate.

Now, while the clutch lever is still being held tight by the zip tie, turn the flower nut counterclockwise one "notch" at a time, (where the set screw goes in is each notch), to loosen it up a little bit so that it is not always engaging...(From what your describing though, i would back it off two notches to start with and then release the lever).

Now pull in the lever gradually and see if you can now get the bike to free wheel back and forth with the clutch lever squeezed in not quite all the way, but close...If so, you should now have it about right as well as being able to pedal easier as well...DAMIEN

If all that fails, then take the clutch arm out and see if it's rounded off where it meets the bucking bar. I've welded a few of those up.

 

[Freddy Snottgrass]

I am starting to have the same issue on one of my bikes that I just built. I just built both of my bikes and neither of them like me for different reasons. Anyways...

My uneducated hypothesis for the clutch getting tighter as opposed to sloppier in the new build is possibly the cable breaking in and stretching a bit. My clutch did exactly as yours. The first couple rides, it was fine with that crappy notched handle (more on that in a bit). Then the notch wouldn't disengage the clutch and I had to use my hand to pull it all the way in. The last time I rode it, and also today, I noticed it wanting to pull the bike while I had my handle all the way held.

Get a roll of velcro tape (not sticky stuff, like a ribbon roll), cut a foot and wrap it around your handgrip and use that to hold your clutch. Not to fix your issue, but because that notched clutch handle sucks.