Whoopee got my Blade engine running for the first time today! was a bit rattley at first but has settled down nicely.

buttt..........

alas the clutch appears to be unhappy. new springs have been fitted already, but when clutch operated with engine running and gear sleccted, it thumps into gear with full drive- operating the clutch makes no difference at all. the car is up on stands at the moment. im wondering if the clutch is just 'stuck' inside, from sitting unused for a while. any hints, tips or suggestions on what might be wrong/how to fix it???

cheers

Graham

Well done sir. Mine was the same - the clutch was stuck from sitting for a few months. Just having the weight of the car on the wheels and putting it into gear with the clutch in should unstick it.
Maybe just to make sure, have the handbrake on! Remember she'll stall quite easily, so you *shouldn't* go shooting through the end of your garage.

OK maybe have the door open just in case!

It shouldn't stick it's an oil bath in there. Honda gearboxes all jump when you engage gears and there is enough drag to turn the wheels. It should be o.k. when it's on the deck. I find my bike engages gear better if the brake isn't on, aim it at the open door though. You may find you can stop the wheels just by wedging something against one (3"x2" spar or something).

yours, Pete.

hmmm it runs you say. did the fan switch work automatically though?

thanks for your help nova- not! tried applying the footbrake while it was idling running in first gear- it just stalled- didn't free off shall try puttting the wheels on tomorrow and try it.

o yeah garage???? i wish! until the local authorities get off their backsides and give me a building warrant, it'll continue to be the patio for me!!!

ps allister the alternator is charging fine!

[Edited on 1/2/04 by scotlad]

Sounds good, its a great feeling when it runs for the first time. I havnt even tried the clutch yet although it is connected up now. Good luck for the rest of your build.

Gordon

You're right Gordon- what a blast- went first time too! cant wait to get on, though the weather isnt helping- brrrrrrr!

yippee clutch is fixed. after advice from local Honda dealer (2 wheels, Edinburgh- top bunch!) i fitted two 6mm washers on the mounting bolts for the clutch springs, and now clutch works great- uprated springs i got from MK must be a tiny bit longer than the originals!