Slipping Clutch......Any advice?

cc mac · Post by **cc mac** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 3:15 pm

Clutch started slipping today when accelerating uphill with passenger. Neither of us is heavy. When the revs reach 5-6 K (maximum torque) it happens. The clutch has only done 3 thou and I had a new slave cylinder fitted at the same time as clutch renewal.
The gearbox is second hand from Motorworks and has been in the bike for EXACTLY 6 months.
What is the probable cause of the problem?
How do I proceed? Do I take it back to Colwyn Bay who carried out the work or find a cheaper mechanic to check it out?
I will probably start looking at Blackbirds again (oh shit).
This could end up costing me my trip to Garmisch this year.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 3:26 pm

I'd put money on it being the clutch oil seal has gone.

cc mac · Post by **cc mac** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 4:08 pm

Is that at the rear of the engine?
Are we talking engine out megabucks?

bigblackfalco · Post by **bigblackfalco** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 4:31 pm

If it was either of the engine rear main seal or the gearbox input shaft seal, you'd notice an oil residue build up on the mating surfaces of the gearbox / engine cases. A little hot oil goes a long way!! If it's on the clutch plate then you should be able to see it else where.
I'd take it back to the place where you had the clutch done 3K ago and explain the problem.
Bailey.

cc mac · Post by **cc mac** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:03 pm

If it's the engine rear main seal, what's involved when replacing it? Is it a huge job or is it relatively easy once the clutch is removed? I know it's quite labour intensve getting to it, I just want to know how much more it will cost me.
Likewise with the gearbox oil seal, is it easy to do once the gearbox is out or does it involve stripping the box?

Steptoe · Post by **Steptoe** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:34 pm

Was the whole clutch unit replaced, or just the friction plate.

if it's just the friction plate -thats what happens

Thats why you always replace the whole clutch unit.

I'd also check the driveshaft. They can spin in the rubber sleeve. Pull back the gaitor and look for rubber dust in the shaft housing. It happens a lot on GS's that are used of road or loaded up. I'd think it can happen on an S if used hard - wheelies etc

Jason M · Post by **Jason M** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:33 am

If there is fluid on the plate I would have thought it would smell if was slipping. Same with the rubber in the driveshaft. On S rider managed to muller his rubber completely I think and eneded up with no drive at all.

You could remove the starter and peer up inside the clutch to see if there is any juice flying around - that's quite a simple and cheap start

Jason

cc mac · Post by **cc mac** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:16 pm

It was the whole clutch that was replaced.

Jason M · Post by **Jason M** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:51 pm

cc mac wrote:It was the whole clutch that was replaced.

Can't remember who it was, but I'm sure someone on here had the clutch pressure plate bolts come loose - those little M5s or 6s. They're really low torque and might not have been done right, or even really overtightened

Jason

cc mac · Post by **cc mac** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:02 pm

I am going to take it back to Colwyn Bay for them to check it out, they did the job originally though I don't think the clutch has gone. If it's the oil seal on the gearbox, do you think Motorworks will pay something towards it. The second hand box I got from them cost me £436. It's been in the bike just over 6 months and has only done 3 thou. Is there any room for good will here or do you think it'll be a case of tough s***?
It had a 6 month guarantee.