Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster Clutch Adjustment
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- Опубликовано: 28 ноя 2020
- A Clutch Adjustment is the first episode of many on my adventures with my 74' Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster. I have ZERO mechanical experience. So please watch along with me as I learn how to actually work on a dang motorcycle.
A simple clutch adjustment can help some issues, but not all of them. I explain the process of adjusting a clutch on any 71 and earlier Ironhead. With my trust service manual come along with me while I attempt to proper complete a clutch adjustment.
If you like what I'm doing here, please make sure to comment, like, and subscribe. It helps me out so much and keeps me motivated to create videos for you!
Reach out on Instagram:
bikerbabebeth
Also help support the Ironhead build through my Patreon:
patreon.com/bikerbabebeth
SOOOO we all know this Ironhead project will for sure require me to learn a WHOLE lot of new skills. That's not all I will need!
I also will need TONS of new tools and motorcycle parts.
I decided to create a Patreon page for some help!
Patreon.com/bikerbabebeth
Hope to see you join to get exclusive Ironhead updates!
J&P will have most of the gaskets and stuff you need. And most of the stuff I've ordered has come out of Louisville so you won't have too bad of a wait.
Something that can be tried is to place it in gear and get a rolling start and pull the clutch while rolling and running to see if you can free the plates that way. But to be honest it's worth pulling the primary and inspecting the tensioners and overall condition of the primary chain and clutch. And the gasket kit is cheap.
Check out my Instagram page for an update. We rolled it down the driveway, off and attempted to put it into gear. It worked Jeff got it around the block but the gennie isn’t working right and the battery already died. ITS A NEW BATTERY! Damnit.
@@BikerBabeBeth congrats on getting it going. I was just talking to a shop and they have had good luck with the alternator kit on Amazon for about 150. He said that he had terrible luck with rebuilt generators other than the Cycle source on that's like 400 dollars
Do you have a PO Box?
@@BikerBabeBeth Put a voltmeter across the battery when the motor is running. Give it a decent (about 500 rpm) but steady throttle increase and see if the DC voltage increases. If it does, you're charging, if not, you either have a stator or voltage regulator that needs to be replaced. The stator is under the compensating sprocket inside the primary.
The clutch plates are sticking together.
1. Here's a trick!. With the bike NOT running, put it in 1st gear, pull the clutch lever in, and rock the bike back and forth. This will break the plates free BEFORE you start it and put it in gear.
2. If that don't work, the oil in the primary case might be too thick and/or dirty. Change the oil and/or use a thinner weight oil. DO NOT use synthetic oil ! It's too slippery and your clutch will slip. Regular non-detergent SAE 30 that you can get at tractor supply usually works pretty good.
3. IF ALL THAT DON''T WORK, take the primary chain case off , and take the clutch plates out of the basket. Clean the gunk off them that are causing them to stick. Replace the plates if they are worn.
welcome to the wonderful world of having an old iron head just when you think you got it it is something else .
That's what youtube is for how to fix stuff. I like to watch somebody do it and talk me thru it. There are some great Harley guys out there that can probably tell you just what the problem is and what to do to fix it
Look at you go! The more you work on it, the more confidence you'll build. Best of luck getting the sporty running 100%.
Biker Babe Beth, I’m really loving your content. Keep up the great work. I’m working my way through your videos.
Thanks for sharing Beth. Ride safe and wrench it .
That's a cool Harley. It's great that you're learning to do this stuff yourself. I bought my first bike 3 years ago (a 1974 Honda CB750) and learning to do the maintenance and make upgrades has been a lot of fun. I started from the same place you did...not knowing anything about motorcycles (or anything mechanical.) There's something very rewarding about tackling a job you've never done before...even if you don't solve the problem on the first attempt.
Just brought home a ‘74 Hardtail today.
My first Harley.
Thanks for the videos, and god help us.
FOR REAL! Congrats to you on your FIRST Harley. More videos of my Iron coming soon.
Sounds great! Nothing like the sound of an old Ironhead, or Harley for that matter. My 2008 Injected fatboy idles like a car.
Hey just wanted to let you know you habe inspired me to buy a ironhead and rebuild. So I have achieved purchasing the bike today. This will be a learning experience for me as well but your videos I know are going to be a big help and I will keep you posted. This will also be the bike my wife learns to ride on.
A thing to remember about an iron head clutch (esp. the later left side shift), after adjusting or anytime going inside the primary cover, NEVER touch the clutch lever or have any tension on the clutch cable until AFTER you have ALL of the screws torqued down on the cover. The design (and forgive me for not exp,wining perfectly, as it’s been over a decade since I’ve been inside one) will allow the engagement to slip and not let the clutch disengage. My dad and I chased our tails for a day on this before...always wanting to “check it” before going through tightening every screw down, messed it up every time. Finally a call to my uncle and he told us the same thing and it worked first time. Ever since, I’ve remembered the rule :)
Wish I read this 10 painful hours ago
We here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content! Great video! Keep up the good work!
Well congtrats on the ironhead sporty purchase. She's a beauty !! I might would suggest pulling the clutch plates and steals, check these for wear, clean, re soak the clutch disk and reassemble/ then readjust . This a common problem with this type of friction clutch set up. But the good news is you have a really cool bike to work on and then maybe ride, sometime. And that is the real beauty of having these older bike. Be safe, Ride safe, and try and have a little fun in the process. Cheers. Guy Speight
Wow, very good video!!! You know, working on your own bike make you more confident at fixing problems at the side of the road... I've been riding for over 40 years, so I leaned a lot :-).. However, I have not been working on 70's Sportsters, so this is superinteresting to watch. Big thanks 3B!!!
I absolutely love the old iron head to tinker with. To me the ol shovel head iron heads and evos both big twin and sporty are the best long term rideable Harleys. A little maintenance and wrenching they seem to go forever.
Nothings more satisfying then wrenching on your own bike and getting it to work. Really like your hoodie by the way 👍
You can buy one on my Teespring site! teespring.com/stores/bikerbabebeth
Good attempt, it was fantastic to see you working on the bike, well done 😀
You’re gonna learn so much doing this! Subbed and ready to follow your adventures. Bike sounds aweeeeesome
Awesome thank you!
Man....!
I want that Iron Head sooo much. Love it.
Love this! Can’t wait to become a patron
Thanks so much for your support!! I appreciate it TONS!
I burnt my clutch out by not having it adjusted properly. Well, I was riding it quite hard as well 😁. I’ve just fitted an Energy One clutch so it should be more than able to handle being ridden like that. You also reminded me how much I hate kick starts, I don’t miss them at all!
When I got my 74 put together and went to right it for the first time I had stuck clutches. My bike would completely die when you dropped it into first. I talked to some guys at the local bike shop and they told me an old school way to free up the clutches.
Take a jack and raise the rear wheel. Start the bike and drop it into gear while holding the clutch lever in. The rear wheel should start turning if the clutches are hung. Then start puttin on the rear brake and keeping the engine revved enough so that it won't die. I did this a few times and then went for a long ride and haven't had anymore problems out if my clutches.
And something to think about. The clutches are in oil so unless some previous owner didn't have a clue how to ride a bike the clutches should be good for a long time.
We got it riding for now!
👍
Good Luck!! Doing it yourself is smart...I'm about to dish out about 750 on replacing the Stator on my 16 Scout.
Awesome ironhead!!! I have old 71 ironhead old style Longfork chopper. And yep always something having to get fixed on that thing. Haha. But I will take the old bikes than the new bikes any day!!!!!! Love the old harleys! Keep these good videos comin!!!
Awesome job on working on the clutch hopefully you’ll get it next time
I hope so too
Hi Beth just found your channel 🤘🏻can’t wait to see what the Sporty will be, I ride a 06 Sportster and would love to have a project like yours 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Love ur video . I used to own a 71 iron head. Hardtail paco frame. It was fun Riding that thing . I should have not sale it .
Cool video. Wicked iron head. Sending love from London Ohio! Keep wrenching!
Thanks! Will do!
Best of luck, hopefully you can fix it and without a great expensive time. Looking forward to seeing you guys get it great.
Fingers crossed!
You are inspirational, keep being awesome 🤟🏻👍🏻
Thank you!!
Open it up, dump old oil, disassemble and clean clutch. replace any broken or worn parts, reassemble, add new oil, adjust clutch and you'll be good to go ;)
In the same boat, got a new to me old Harley that I want to do everything on myself. My bike is a 81 FXB. But I have general working on bikes experience since 87.. This winter I want to try to take the entire primary of.
There is not one bike that sounds as good as an Ironhead and they are a blast to ride!
Before you go any further, just try changing the primary oil. Completely drain the old oil and add brand new. This was the fix on my 73 Ironhead and its very easy to try, good luck!
I’ve had the same issue on 2 different Sportsters. When they sit too long the clutch plates bind together with rust. You need to pull the clutch pack, soak it in oil and reinstall it.
My 1960 iron kickstarted after being in a shed since 1983.
It just took me three days 😂
Your clutch didn't engage at the end which caused it to push forward. it's not adjusted correctly yet... Don't give up though, you'll get it.
Yeah, that's why we are doing the springs next! If that's no help then I'm assuming the clutch plates are seized.
@@BikerBabeBeth springs will make the clutch stronger, not keep it from engaging so that will not do it. The fact that it lunged forward even though your handle was depressed means you didn't set it right. Just trying to help. ☺
@@BikerBabeBeth I rewatched to help you out. At 5:56, you over tightened the clutch so the disks are constantly compressed. You tighten the screws until it just barely touches the rod and then reverse the screw about 1/2 turn.
@@harleydave2316 8:15 ?
@@BikerBabeBeth ope! I didn't see where you corrected that part. That's what I get for trying to help. Haha
This is the best looking Sportster I have ever seen, you really found a time capsule; you have a very rare and special bike on your hands. I have never seen a stock '74 with this color / decal combination in the wild, most of them have been modified beyond recognition. I'd suggest saving all the stock parts they will be worth a fortune to someone :)
I will be creating a eBay page if no one reaches out for them!!!
@@BikerBabeBeth I am officially reaching out, especially the tank if it makes the list.
@@pushrodfury6644 the tank probably will be kept. We shall see though.
You need to reread the clutch adjustment in the manual. It's slightly tricky the way it's worded. If you have to replace the clutch due to wear, spring for the Barnett clutch with spacers and you can drive that puppy 50,000 miles or more with no problem. Still own a 72 xlch I bought the year your bike was made. Tatro machine shop has some great videos on sportsters full of tricks and tips for wrenching on your old iron Head. Love ya, good luck !
School is in session, take your time and be patient, you got it under control. I didn't see any beer bottles in this video?, remember inspiration comes in many different ways and ounces. LOL
I guess you missed me chugging a Coffee PBR in the middle of the video haha
mines a 79 1000 but eye cant wait to c hows ya does doll!!
✌😘
9hrs til premiere
purdy sure dat dare shud not b oil cumin out dat access hole. way too full. mine only takes like 2 pints.
Ah, so there is somewhere to park the bike.......LOL I had an '82 Sporty (25 anniversary) and an '84 with alternator and beefed up clutch (last year). LOVE & Respect from UK
DIY!! Nice.
You can sometimes unstick the clutch plates by pulling the clutch with it in gear and pushing the bike to try and get the plates to separate. One time on a 1980 honda I also just revved it a bunch so it wouldn't die and dropped the clutch hard, which also worked. That can be dangerous though if you're not careful :P
👍 nice job. Too bad it didn’t fix your issue. That’s a nice looking sportster. I wonder how many viewers noticed the right hand shifter?
🤞 good luck!
So by the looks of it you might need a new clutch pack with the way that lunges. When putting into gear or new springs in the clutch but ya good luck with it I know I have had a lot of fun with my shovel head and it’s clutch that I been through a bunch of times and sneed up putting a Barnett’s racing clutch into it
Here's a little tip that will help save a lot of trouble. When working on something grab a piece of cardboard and make an outlay of the part you're pulling the bolts out of push little holes in the cardboard and insert the bolt in the same spot on the pattern as where you pulled it out of. Some bolts can only have a difference of a few thread links but swapping them can mess up some serious stuff. Side benefit they're easy to find and you know exactly which bolt goes where when you put it back. I made whole stacks of cardboard on a shelf to keep everything neat when I pulled motorcycles completely apart. With older bikes you should carry a few basic tools with you because you'll never know when you need them. have fun you're going to learn a lot
i went cross eyed when the remove access plug was goin .
Full clutch adjustment and cable lube, clean air cleaner element and adjust belt tentsion every 5,000 miles. Lube and adjust throttle and idle cables every 5,000 miles. Check spoke tension every 10,000 miles. (Ask any Harley tech about the "ping" test.) Engine oil every 2,500 miles. Primary/transmission fluid every 10,000 miles. Spark plugs every 30,000 miles. That bike will last you a long time.
I'm guessing it's either the flux capacitor or the thingamajig. I have a 2008 Sportster 1200XL Nightster, you're more of a mechanic than I'll ever be. I had the dealership change my signal bulbs LOL. Good stuff, good vid, good job!!!
Definitely is the flux capacitor... 😂🤣
Yep looks like you will need new clutch plates. Generally you wouldn't normally replace the clutch springs from my own experience, unless they are really spongy or badly surface rusted etc. However if springs are cheap where u live then sure replace them too 👍
Yep! I got the clutch plates unstuck so now its time to tear her apart!
You ride and wrench, very, very impressive. Not just a pretty face.
Hey, thanks!
I'd place a bet (having been working on bikes for more years than I care to remember) that the clutch pack has seized/rusted together. Dealt with a bike with exactly this issue not even a month ago. Fairly common on badly maintained bikes which get a bit of moisture in the oil and then stand around for ages. I have had luck in the past putting them in gear (1st) with the engine off and clutch engaged/out, then shoving the bike forward/backward - be brutal with it, you won't break it. Sometimes it's enough to unstick the plates - if you can do this it saves stripping it all down. Change the oil, , adjust the cable and ride it a bit and they will be OK again.
If it's not that then there's something up with the release mechanism not fully releasing the clutch when you pull in the lever. The mechanism in these is dead simple, a ramp (with 3 balls) connected to the end of the cable which is rotated when you pull the lever, the balls roll up a ramp and compress the spring, taking the pressure off the plates. Which as you found can be adjusted through the plug in the cover. Simple and rarely wrong unless someone has had it apart in the past and assembled it incorrectly.
If the first method doesn't work then just taking the primary cover off will let you see whats wrong, real quick and really isn't a big job except for being messy...
PS you want a bit of slack at the lever, about 1/8" free play, don't adjust the cable too tight 👍
Yup! we tried this exact method last week and we got it ridable!!! Also there was definitely some play in the Clutch handle after.... it was far too tight before so I made sure not to over tighten it.
Awesome! Pleased you got it rideable!
@@MotoSera yes me too! Rode it before we completely tear it down and replace all the gaskets on the engine. We will check the clutch plates when we do all that jazz!
Awesome!
Ima have to try this tomorrow lol
❤️
You are doing very well. I like your Harley, is it a sportster? Will subscribe. Ride safe.
Yes it is!
@@BikerBabeBeth Looks nice. 👍
Chop that rear fender and put a matte finish on that Sportster. Also, a set of 10 inch apes. Have a great week, Triple B.
Good luck
Thanks! I am going to need it 😂
Nice, but at 8:40 when you back the adjustment screw out till its loose, you turn it back in untill it touches, then back off a 1/4 turn. You may be backed off a little too far.
Also, you dont want to change the factory springs. They don't really wear out, and the aftermarket replacement single spring is too stiff.
If you disassemble the clutch, the most important thing is that the steel plates are dead flat. They warp from heat, making them wavy,, and prevents the clutch from releasing. Also there should be spacers over the studs the clutch rides on, make sure they are all the same length and bone are smashed or mushroomed.
Good luck.
Another possibility that I didn’t see any one mention is that the clutch basket might be worn and the plate fingers are sticking. It’s not as common as on a dry clutch bike. But it does happen.
Nothin sounds as good as a sporty, nice scooter u have girl
Out of curiosity? Was the bike completely warmed up when you tried 1 st gear ? And does it work fine when riding it around after warmed ? Because my sporty does that until the bike is completely warmed then its fine
You lot to learn about bikes beth. A old bike you need let it warm up enough to burn the gasoline. You could test if the clutch actually working push it in gear clutch in engine off
The clutch plates will get glued together with oil. You may need to replace the oil seal.
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
When kicking it over pulling the clutch lever should make the clutch slip so the engine not turn over, if it doesn't slip then the clutch plates are stuck together and will need separating
Welcome to the world of iron head wrenching.if it has sat awhile I would just put clutches in it,past experience,special tool needed for clutch job
It seems like the clutch plates might be stuck. I have a cb550 that was sitting for 20 years with the same issue. Something you can try before tearing into the bike is put it in gear with the bike off, pull the clutch in and rock it back and forth multiple times to break the plates free. It worked for me and might work for you too
It did work. We did this earlier today to get those plates unstuck. Worked!! Check my Instagram stories to seeeee!
@@BikerBabeBeth Awesome!! Happy to see it riding!
I’m having this same issue
I want a kickstart so bad
Turn your idle up. Your going to beat the bearings out of the bottom end
Yes sir! I was just looking up how to adjust and get a good idle. Definitely felt low to me
yeah it's way too slow. That might make a diff. putting it in gear if the revs were higher.
@@BikerBabeBeth if you’re looking for great content to watch and learn from check out Tatro machine here on RUclips. World class engine builder and land speed record holder. He films EVERYTHING. I literally rebuilt my 73 XLH from watching his videos. Also, get a parts manual in addition to your service manual. You’re going to need it. You can find free pdf versions of you hunt for them. Or let me know I think I still have a pdf version.
@@bigrednick100 eye 2nd tatro fo sho!!!
🤘😎
So if you'll get a lift will this bike be best friend with it like shadetree's FXR ? :D
hehe,good job
My own version of the BARF PARTY!? yeah pretty much...
Good luck beth ironheads make mechanics out of everyone that owns one god bless em I have a 83 and between me and you I like it better than the 96 heritage I own...have fun, learn new swear words ,it will be worth it 😉all the best from mick from sydney
Thanks so much! I will be editing out a TON of new swear words I am sure of it!
I had a sportster and it did that and I just keep driving it and it got better
Probably to late now, but you need to loosen the lever adjuster as well at the bars. That is where you take up the final end play of the cable. Second, oil ran out of the oil filler plug, should not have had any come out, looks like to much oil in the primary. The oil level screw/plug is at bottom of cover, with the bike straight up only a minimum of oil should come out. That is where the oil level should be.
The first part you loosened the cable adjuster way to much.
You missed the step of turning the primary clutch adjustment screw in until it becomes harder to turn, then go the two turns more. Now turn the the cable adjuster counter clockwise to remove the end play.
Now with the slack removed from the cable - does not need to be excessive - tighten the lock nut only down. Now loosen the adjuster screw lock nut counter clockwise until it just has free movement - no tension on it - then tighten back in until you feel it just seat. After you feel it just seated, back it out counter clockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
Use the 13/16 spark plug socket as you did while holding the screw from moving and snug that nut down.
First rule of wrenching, loose the gloves so you can feel what you are doing. Second find a grey beard to help I do believe you got somethings not quite right in the adjustment. I would try adjusting a couple more times before cracking open the primary. I would also put money on a warped steel.
your clutch plates are sticking. try putting the bike in gear. hold pull the clutch and hold the brake while kicking it over. turn the ignition of so it doesn't actually start.. or get rolling, engine off, pull the clutch shift into 2nd.. . or start it, get rolling before going into gear. ride down the road get to like 4th gear, pull the clutch and try to slow down while holding 1/4-1/2 throttle to get the clutches freed up. but be careful doing it this way, be ready to kill the ignition if you have to stop and it wont release.. if none of that works, you will have to take the clutch apart. probably wont be anything wrong, plates just sticking together. once you pull them apart, you can just put it all rite back together as long as there isn't any noticeable problems..
My fiancé and I rolled it down the driveway yesterday and we got the plates unstuck!
Also....Ironheads are very simple to work on!!! If you need help, contact me and I will help.
Sounds like it hasn’t been ridden in a while and the clutch is just stuck. I have freed up clutches on motorcycles in the past by getting a rolling start without pulling the clutch in, putting it into gear without stalling, and then riding around with the clutch lever pulled in. I usually shift into second (carefully) and blip the throttle and tap the rear brake pedal randomly. Good luck and be careful if you try this method.
Tried this method last week and we got to ride it a bit.
I know my bike shuts off when I shift in the first with the kickstand down LOL good luck
Lube and adjust that cable every 5k. Throttle cables too.
Do you still have the scooter?
No disrespect but you were damn close on the clutch adjustment, screw goes on till you feel resistance then back out the recommended 1/4 to 1/8th turn I personally always back off an 1/8 turn and tighten the locknut, she will be good to go!
You have no free play in your clutch handle, part of the adjustment. You don't want your clutch lever tight. The cable adjustment is not correct. Do that before pulling the cover. Good luck!
There was?
You want about the thickness of a nickel worth of free play at the handle when you pull the cable away from the leaver.
Seeing how far the cable adjuster was + no free play in the handle tells me that the previous owner tried to (unsuccessfully) adjust themself out of the problem you are trying to fix with the cable
Looks like you going to be rebuilding
Yes 🙌🏼 I’m very excited.
Mine does that if i try to engage a gear if the sidestand is down
It doesn't have an electric start so it's most likely not a kick stand sensor (I don't even think it has one 😂) but the last attempt to put into gear at the end I did pull up the kick stand just to be certain that isn't the cause....
Why is my 78 sporty when.i try and excel erase a little bit it feels like the clutch is not fully ingageing it slips real.bad but it's enough sitting
for years every thing works normal.until.i try and give it a little r.p.m
Why
Sporty life....
seriously...... wait til the next video
Side stand switch?? Or clutch plates sticking
Im going with the clutch plates since I don't believe it has a sensor for the kick stand. Plussss I believe it sat for some time...
@@BikerBabeBeth That is the problem, gummy clutch plates. I always washed them with gasoline, rubbed the plates on 150 sandpaper, sandpaper the glaze off the steels and there you go. Flat new concrete works in a pinch on the fiber plates! Did this when I was poor in the 70s-80s.
did you try putting in gear and pushing it?
Yeah. We did that this afternoon. Got it to go into gear!! YAY! It’s on my insta story.
@@BikerBabeBeth excellent
Tatro Machine
Never be embarassed to sk some1% questions.We were all ignorant of them once.
Okay I am one minute 16 seconds into this video, and I just got to say a Harley isn't a Harley unless you got to put cardboard under to keep the stains off the floor 👍
YUP! 👍
good job you kick start a Harley and work on it HECK YEA Good Job
what year,Beth ???
It’s a 1974!
building a 73 from half a motor up>...I do Panheas and someone gave me the motr and my little girl (23) said JUST MY SIZE! Soooo Daddys little girl gets what she wants.I raised her from a few months by myself....If I could rememberwho gave me the motor i would be tempted to go show him my gun collection...damn@@BikerBabeBeth
Just a thought on tools...harbor freight. You can get more tools for ur money and they will get the job done.
Oh yeah! Jeff usually buys from there. If he breaks it, he buys a better brand. We’ve been eyeing their motorcycle lift, too 👀
@@BikerBabeBeth i have the lift. Works great, but replace the front wheel chock (junk) and get a flat jack for under the belly of the bike. Helps to stabilize the bike
Make sure the bike is warmed up holding clutch in drop it into 1st hit the throttle at the same time still holding clutch in u should be ok
I just do a whole new clutch instead of putzing around with questionable parts cuz he's even if you do get it You're probably need to replace the clutch anyways after a little bit of time passes
Buy 3 or 4 primary gaskets. Trust me.
I’ll send you some tools . Do you have a PO Box?
Not yet! I'm planning on snagging one soon!
@@BikerBabeBeth please let us know so I can talk to santa about sending you some Xmas gifts
U ride..you drink beer..awesome personality..and ur down to work on bikes and get dirty..but still girly lol...YOU are the ultimate woman!!😍
😝 well thank you!
Np..Keep up the GREAT work and continue being the Babe u are
😎👍🏾