Clutch woes...

[Yammer Dan]

OK I know most opinions on rebuilding clutch slave. If it is completely out. What if as I do suspect low pressure? Mine is getting hard to shift and I'm thinking slave cylinder. Rebuild? New seals should help. Or buy new and who has them besides Mama Yama. I don't loose fluid but getting harder to shift all the time.

 

I think i have a kit tucked away somewhere. But hate to waste time if it won't help.

 

1st Gen 1986

[skydoc_17]

Hey Dan,

Sorry to hear about your clutch woes! Here's the deal with the clutch slave. Because the clutch slave is at the lowest point on your bike, ANY water that has accumulated in the clutch line settles in the clutch slave. The body of the clutch slave is aluminum, and pits form rather quickly as a result of the exposure to water. Because the slave is a bit of a bear to get to, I usually suggest that you just replace the clutch slave with a new one.

You will be guaranteed a properly functioning clutch slave on the first install. I have been averaging about a 50% success rate on the rebuild of clutch slaves here at the shop.

I don't personally rebuild them any more because of the fact that I would have to charge DOUBLE LABOR cost in the event that the slave didn't work after the rebuild. In your case Dan, if you already have the rebuild kit, and being retired, I would think that you have a lot more TIME than money, I would do the rebuild, and see how it turns out. If anyone else has a bad slave, and doesn't have the rebuild kit, I would say that you would have a 50/50 chance that you will be removing the clutch slave TWICE, once for a failed rebuild, and once more to install a NEW Clutch Slave. As I said, not very good odds for a repair shop, but if you are like Dan, and have the rebuild kit, and a LOT of time on your hands, it might be worth the gamble. Yamaha is the only supplier of the rebuild kit I would personally use. I have the rebuild kit and the new Clutch Slave available, plus ALL of the related gaskets needed.

My thoughts, for what they are worth.

Earl

[Venturous Randy]

Dan, are you having a problem with the clutch releasing? Once the bike is warmed up a little and the clutch disc's have been broken loose, does it still jump a little when you put the bike in gear?

When I initially start my bike, I will pull the clutch in and goose the throttle a couple of times and that will break the clutch disc's loose and it will go into gear without sounding like a thrashing machine that first time. If the disc's are not releasing good, it will make shifting a little more difficult, but you should also be able to notice the bike wanting to pull a little while sitting on level ground and in gear.

Another thing, do you ever shift without using the clutch? I will occasionally shift 3rd thru 5th without the clutch and can be smoother than using the clutch. My concern is, do you have a clutch releasing problem or do you have a shift linkage problem? Generally, if the clutch slave is not leaking, it should be able to still have a full range of motion unless there is air in the system and needs bleeding.

RandyA

[BOO]

Gotta agree with Earl on this one.

Was having clutch problems a few years ago and decided to rebuild slave.

Ordered parts, received parts, tore slave apart and guess what the inside was pitted.

Ordered slave, received slave, installed slave, no further problems.

Good Luck,

BOO

[CaptainJoe]

Tear it apart first.

 

if salvageable rebuild...

 

if not, order a new one from Earl...

 

[Yammer Dan]

Thanks. I've bled it good. Replaced Master spring and plunger. Hate to yank it out of there. I have a extra somewhere I might just throw in the bag (change on side of road??) It looks like replacing it would be best way to go but blasted things coming up close to 100 bucks. Would rather spend it on gas... Its just my 85 shifts as smooth as butter and the 86 is rough best I can explain. I'll start looking at 2nd Gens........when Scratch's place freezes over!!!

[CaptainJoe]

Sounds like something that could be done at MD?

[Yammer Dan]

Planning several miles before then.