87 clutch problems.

[knarfy]

Hi people. first post here. I'm hoping that someone here can help me understand what I did or did'nt do. I had my 87SM stored over the winter and after installing the battery all was find and started right away. I go to put it in gear ... and no clutch.I try to blead the system but it won't build preasure. So I buy a rebuild kit for the master and wait a week... install and still no presure. So I go to the slave and its pitted and just nasty from years of use. Back to the bike shop and order a slave. Week later I install and still no presure. So I go back in the master and check what I did. I'll try to explain as best as I can. First goes the big end of the tapered spring. Then the rubber piece that sorts snaps on the other end of spring. then the cylinder with the new rubber gasket on it, on the outside of the first washer then the c-clamp-ring.Rubber gasket with rod.The slave was one piece. Ive taken it apart several times. Any ideas? I'm lost as to what to do. I want to get the bike on the road soon or the other two bikes will take over and  my poor SM will sit all summer and have no fun. Thankyou.

[Greg Cothern]

Try to rock it forcefully when in gear to see if it will free up.  I have heard of the basket getting stuck.
Make sure you flush the entire clutch line as it may be clogged up.  Would not hurt to have clean fresh fluid.
A mighty mini vac helps with bleeding the lines.

[Five-0]

Make sure you get all the air out of the system.  You may also have to bleed it up by the master cylinder.  Where the line connects, loosen there and bleed also.

5-0

[knarfy]

I have tryed everything but puting it in gear and moving the bike. I cleaned the reservoir  both ends of the line have been loose with fluid in the line and it runs freely. I have bled about a pint between master and slave. I will give it a try again and see. Last thing I want to do is take it to the Honda shop for some overpriced repairs...

[roboto65]

While reading this I had a flash I know it is more money but have you tryed replacing the hyd line that goes from the cylinder to the slave it might be old and flexing when you pull the handle.  I know this sounds drastic but if the shoes are stuck together you might have to if you have a center stand put the bike on the center stand start the bike in gear put it in third or fourth or second the taller gears work better now pull the clutch in and give a LITTLE gas and push it off the center stand. This will usually break the clutch disks free as they tend to stick when not used for awhile. Just be prepared if the bike takes off make sure to do this in a big parking lot or the road in front of your house..... I hope this helps

[knarfy]

So, If I understand, the reason no preasure is building up is becouse the clutch may be frozen in place, or stuck in place and also my line may have some flex in it so presure builds up in the line but does not reach the slave? The thing is, wouldn't I feel some presure in the line? I'm gonna try it and see. At this point I'll try just about anything. Do you think if I talk to it nicely it will fix itself? Or wisper to it,"the bike whiperer" WTF...

[roboto65]

Well it's pretty simple the piston in the master cylinder pushes pressure to the slave cylinder.I take it you have the slave out and are watching it to see if it moves or does not move when you pull the lever....
So if it does not then the master cylinder is giving pressure hmmmm I don't know the vintages but they all work the same hehehehehehe anyhow if you want shoot me an email and I will give you my ## or I will cal you and see if we can hash out why.......

[bgayler]

Knarfy,
The clutch on my 88 super magna nearly drove me crazier. I think the magic thing you said was that the clutch slave was pitted. Mine was the same way from sitting for over 7 years and would lose pressure internally. Meaning no fluid loss, but fluid would leak past the cup seal on the piston.
Unfortunately, that complete slave cylinder has been discontinued. I was able to locate a low mileage complete slave and master cylinder from a salvage dealer in Ohio. He guaranteed it to be perfect, and it was. I paid $90 for both and after searching for weeks was glad to get it.
If your using silicone brake fluid, pressure will not feel as solid as Dot 3 or 4. And the clutch doesn't have the feel (of pressure) like the brake. Also if your not using a MityVac, it will take forever to get all of the air out. I would try to borrow or buy one. they are not that expensive at Auto Zone. Remember to pump the lever and loosen the banjo bolt at the end of the master cylinder. It's the highest point of the system and will trap an unusual amount of air.
I highly recommend pulling the gas tank off. Just a bolt at the front and one at the rear and disconnect the fuel line. Brake fluid will eat the paint like paint stripper.
I hope this helps, my clutch is finally working great.

[bgayler]

Hi Knarfy,
If your sure your clutch slave is pitted, there is one listed for sale on Ebay.  Type in "super magna" and it will bring up about 19 items. It's listed as a clutch servo for 87/88 magnas remanufactured/or rebuilt. It's a buy it now for $49.95. 1/2 the dealer price when they were still available.
Good Luck.

[knarfy]

Hey roboto Thanks for the offer I will let you know. I did buy the slave and installed it. It is a new part from the dealer. I need some time off to play with it. I'm going to try the forcing brakefluid thru with a vac. I'm also going to see if I can manually push the clutch rod in, some people thing it may be stuck. I will post results. Thankyou everyone!!.

[roboto65]

Thats what we are about anytime anywhere give us a call....... Just want to see it fixed and you riding hehheheheh