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Siezed clutch?
phelpsa - 11/4/10 at 12:40 AM

Got the hydraulic clutch system together and bled today... and although it fulfils it's primary function of looking shiny and new it doesnt appear to be doing much else.

The slave pushes the rod in properly and the pedal has a good feel, but it doesnt disconnect the drive. When its in neutral I can turn the propshaft by hand but in 1st with the clutch depressed i cant.

The engine had been sat for a good few years without oil in it although its been filled with oil for the past few months started up, could it be that it's seized and just needs freeing off? Or is this unlikely? I'm not too familiar with the workings of a wet clutch...

'91 GSXR1100 engine if it makes much difference.

LBMEFM - 11/4/10 at 06:05 AM

It's maybe the release bearing, it is always difficult to diagnose problems without seeing the car. If access to the clutch cover is accessible I would suggest taking off the cover and removing the clutch basket. It's quite a quick and easy job and you can the look for the problem. Get yourself a Haynes manual to make the job easier, invest in one today at Halfrauds.

MakeEverything - 11/4/10 at 07:05 AM

If its been sat for a good few years without oil, its likely that the plates are stuck together with old dry oil.

Better to take all the plates out, clean them and return / replace.

cosmick - 11/4/10 at 08:05 AM

I challenge anyone to turn the output shaft by hand when in 1st gear. There are 21 clutch plates inside your engine and they will not separate sufficiently to turn the clutch by hand after pressing the clutch pedal. If you are concerned about the length of time the engine has stood for, then put the car in 1st without the engine running and, with the pedal down, push the car forwrds or backwards. this will separate the plates.

Peteff - 11/4/10 at 08:32 AM

Bike clutches don't work like car clutches they have a lot more drag, especially when the oil is cold. Just start it and rev till the oil gets round and warms up.

Wheels244 - 11/4/10 at 09:21 AM

quote:
Originally posted by MakeEverything
If its been sat for a good few years without oil, its likely that the plates are stuck together with old dry oil.

Better to take all the plates out, clean them and return / replace.


Agreed.

I had a GasGas that had sat for a year.
Exactly the same symptoms - took the clutch out - all the plates had stuck together - separated them and put back together - all ok.

phelpsa - 11/4/10 at 11:30 AM

Okay, so it could be siezed or it could just be normal drag.

Can't start the engine again until my dad's finished the wiring but as I have to drain the oil anyway its probably best to take the clutch basket out and clean up the plates.

Cheers for the advice!