Clutch not fully engaging

ckahleer · 02-25-2018, 01:41 PM

I almost went for my first ride today on my new to me VN1500.
However when I put it in gear and let the clutch out, It only started engaging at the far end of the lever release. But not enough engagement to ride.
There is no play in the lever when it is all the way out. Seems like the clutch fluid is always under pressure even with the lever out.
I did remove the clutch basket when I did the POG fix. I'm pretty sure I got it back together right. Would a bad master cylinder do this?

**MAS Tequila** · 02-26-2018, 05:37 AM

Check to be sure the last disk is offset in the clutch basket.

rolfe · 02-26-2018, 08:27 AM

If the Clutch was working a bit better than before you rebuilt then I would assume you installed (not in correct order).

Did you inspect and flush out the clutch master clyinder ?
New clutch friction plates need to be soaked in oil before being installed.
New limiter spring (s) did you get new ones ?

Since you just did the breakdown of the right side (clutch) it will be fresh in your mind and just pull it apart again and double check (from manual-online photos-etc) to double check exactly how everything goes back together.

Just take your time and keep us posted.

**MikeonaBike** · 02-26-2018, 07:05 PM

Another key is making sure to torque the clutch spring nut to 100 foot pounds. Not tightening the nut down all the way can cause slippage or a grabby clutch.

ckahleer · 02-27-2018, 10:28 PM

It turned out the problem was caused by the small fluid return hole in the master cylinder was clogged. Its a very small hole, about .010 in. Cleaned out the hole with a small wire. Cleaned and flushed new fluid through the system. Clutch is working well now.

02-25-2018, 01:41 PM	#1
ckahleer Jr. Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: VA Posts: 16	Clutch not fully engaging I almost went for my first ride today on my new to me VN1500. However when I put it in gear and let the clutch out, It only started engaging at the far end of the lever release. But not enough engagement to ride. There is no play in the lever when it is all the way out. Seems like the clutch fluid is always under pressure even with the lever out. I did remove the clutch basket when I did the POG fix. I'm pretty sure I got it back together right. Would a bad master cylinder do this? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-26-2018, 05:37 AM	#2
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	Check to be sure the last disk is offset in the clutch basket. __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
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02-26-2018, 07:05 PM	#4
MikeonaBike Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Columbus, MS Posts: 2	Another key is making sure to torque the clutch spring nut to 100 foot pounds. Not tightening the nut down all the way can cause slippage or a grabby clutch. __________________ Mike M 2002 Nomad 1500
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02-27-2018, 10:28 PM	#5
ckahleer Jr. Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: VA Posts: 16	It turned out the problem was caused by the small fluid return hole in the master cylinder was clogged. Its a very small hole, about .010 in. Cleaned out the hole with a small wire. Cleaned and flushed new fluid through the system. Clutch is working well now. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-26-2018, 08:27 AM	#3
rolfe Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Lake Travis, Texas Posts: 518	If the Clutch was working a bit better than before you rebuilt then I would assume you installed (not in correct order). Did you inspect and flush out the clutch master clyinder ? New clutch friction plates need to be soaked in oil before being installed. New limiter spring (s) did you get new ones ? Since you just did the breakdown of the right side (clutch) it will be fresh in your mind and just pull it apart again and double check (from manual-online photos-etc) to double check exactly how everything goes back together. Just take your time and keep us posted.
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