Clutch not fully disengaging

Does the graunching do it all the time or just when you start it up for the first time each day?

Possible causes:

Cold oil in primary

Dirty oil in primary

Slots in clutch basket worn

Push rod worn

Previously wrote:

Since getting my 1972 Commando back in the summer, it has been difficult getting from neutral into 1st (accompanied by unpleasant graunching and a bit of a lurch forward) Needles to say I have not ridden it much in this state! So far, a new clutch cable has not helped, nor has adjusting the push rod adjustor. Is the next logical step to replace the push rod or should I be looking elsewhere for the problem? Thoughts very welcome.

Check that the clutch plates are not sticking together with thick oil and thus creating drag,scrubbing with a suitable solvent will give you a working clutch but you will have to do it again approx. 10,000 miles later. Use ATF or something similar in the primary drive housing. Don't go down the belt drive route unless you are 100% positive that your gearbox mainshaft and drive side shaft off your crank are absolutely parallel, otherwise your belt will try to run off the crank pulley resulting inpremature wear and breakages, cheers, Simon.

Previously wrote:

Many thanks. Is it obvious to see if the slots in the clutch basket are worn?

Andy

Previously wrote:

Does the graunching do it all the time or just when you start it up for the first time each day?

Possible causes:

Cold oil in primary

Dirty oil in primary

Slots in clutch basket worn

Push rod worn

The edges of the openings in the clutch basket where the drive plate tangs ride should be straight and smooth. With the clutch apart the edges can easily be seen. Bad ones look like a saw blade that has had the teeth rounded off. Maybe not quite severe as that but enough such that when being driven, the drive plates will not slide open easily.

For cleaning, pretty much any solvent that will dissolve oil will do.

Previously wrote:

Thanks for the advice. Sorry to sound ignorant but what would you consider to be a suitable solvent?

Andy

Previously wrote:

Previously wrote:

Since getting my 1972 Commando back in the summer, it has been difficult getting from neutral into 1st (accompanied by unpleasant graunching and a bit of a lurch forward) Needles to say I have not ridden it much in this state! So far, a new clutch cable has not helped, nor has adjusting the push rod adjustor. Is the next logical step to replace the push rod or should I be looking elsewhere for the problem? Thoughts very welcome.

Check that the clutch plates are not sticking together with thick oil and thus creating drag,scrubbing with a suitable solvent will give you a working clutch but you will have to do it again approx. 10,000 miles later. Use ATF or something similar in the primary drive housing. Don't go down the belt drive route unless you are 100% positive that your gearbox mainshaft and drive side shaft off your crank are absolutely parallel, otherwise your belt will try to run off the crank pulley resulting inpremature wear and breakages, cheers, Simon.

Petrol.