How to Troubleshoot a Clutch Plate
A clutch plate transfers the power from an engine to the transmission by engaging and disengaging the power flow. There are two types of clutch plates--drive plates and driven plates. Driven plates are used to spin a hub that is splined to directly to the transmission, which transfers power to the transmission. Drive plates are splined to the main shaft of the motor, and transfer the power generated by the motor to the transmission via the driven plates. This connection is activated by a spring mechanism and a pressure plate.
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Instructions
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Start your engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature. This should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
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Accelerate to 40 miles per hour. If it feels like the engine is being overworked or showing signs of responding sluggishly by not accelerating properly, or not all of the power is being transferred to the rear wheel, the clutch is most likely slipping. Common causes of this problem are an improperly adjusted clutch cable, weak springs in the clutch assembly and worn out clutch plates.
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Attempt to shift through the gears in order of their sequence. If you experience any difficulty with the clutch not disengaging fully, you might have a dragging clutch. A dragging clutch can be caused by an improperly adjusted clutch cable, warped drive plates, or notches in the basket or hub; these notches can lead to problems with the clutch plates sticking to the hub or the basket, or the plates may become jammed together, which can eventually result in serious mechanical damage to the entire clutch assembly. In this instance, repairs are expensive and complex, and should only be performed by a professional.
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Tips & Warnings
As with any other motorcycle problem, if you are unable to diagnose the cause of the issue by following these steps, consult an experienced and certified motorcycle technician immediately. Failure to do so may result in expensive mechanical damage to your motorcycle.
References
- Photo Credit motorcycle image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com
