Clutch advice

[Guest]

My bike a 1980 GS450E has been more difficult than normal pushing around in gear with the clutch plulled for about 2 weeks. Then last night on the ride it started slipping when I went uphill out of my drive. I adjusted just as the clymer manual says, starting at the screw with the locking hex bolt inside the case and then working up to the adjustment on top of the case and lastly to the clutch handle. When I am positive I did this correctly. When its in gear with the clutch pulled the rear tire spins and I can't resolve this.

Although I havent modified the clutch, I have clubman bars which are much lower with the stock clutch cable. Is this a problem? if so, can you recommend a replacement?

If it is indeed a clutch issue, I believe I need new springs, fiber plates (how many?), and a gasket at minimum. Any advice?

Do I need a special clutch removal tool as well?

I am ready to purchase right now so that I can get it fixed before next friday.

Thanks for all your help fellas!

[Nessism]

There is a high probability that new OE springs will solve the issue. Measuring the fiber plate thickness is also a good idea so you can judge wear. The spec should be in your service manual.

[CycloneGS]

so that means I drain the oil huh? I just changed the oil the day before the clutch started going!

[Nessism]

Did you use auto oil in your bike? Some auto oils that are labeled as "energy conserving" can cause clutch slippage.

[CycloneGS]

nope only motorcycle oil here.

[koolaid_kid]

If you have a sidestand lean it over on that. It will minimize the oil lost when you remove the clutch cover. When you pull the fibers out just mic them. If they are within tolerance just knock the glaze off them. If you don't know how we can tell you.

[CycloneGS]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I ordered new springs and fibers and they came in today so I pulled off the R side engine cover to see what was up. When I got the clutch springs and plates out the springs were shot, about 3.6mm, not within spec. I also visually inspected the fibers and they were quite worn but not clear through to the metal. Seeing as I had new fibers, I went ahead and replaced them too.

I followed the manual putting everything back in, advance, signal generator, etc., along with a new gasket. However, when I started up the motorcycle for the first time, there was a bunch of dark smoke coming off the headers, I though this was not normal so I cut the switch after about 5 seconds. Whats up with the smoke!? It has me worried.

Is the timing maybe off? It seemed to be running real smooth.

Is the clutch just wearing in?

Please help me out here.

[Nessism]

Did you spilled oil on the exhaust pipes?

[CycloneGS]

I musta gubbed them up with my hands... it all burnt off now. But now my clutch is not adjusted correctly... Damn this adjustment.

i have been going exactly as the Clymer states how to do it but i cant get it adjusted right... any help or link to another thread with help?

[CycloneGS]

Would a stretched clutch cable cause the clutch to not disengage? Im gonna go get one now...

[koolaid_kid]

It never hurts to have a new cable. Keep the old one as a spare in case of emergency.

[CycloneGS]

i dug into the left case with the cable and clutch push rod. I noticed the rod is loose. I can pull it out about an inch and push it back to its normal position with no resistance. I can not push it in though as if it were to disengage. does this make sense?

[charbot]

tyhats normal...or at least it was how mine was when I changed the oil seal on the clutch push rod a few weeks back

[woodytwoshoes]

clutch oil seal

My 79 gs400 leaks oil when running, seems to be coming from the clutch side cover. How hard was it to change the oil seal? Are they hard to find?
Thank you,
Woody