won't shift 1st to 2nd when cold - Harley Forum

larry1046 · #1 03-23-2009, 07:33 PM

My stock ’93 Heritage has started to shift very hard from first to second gear when the bike is cold – if you can shift it at all. When it warms up it shifts great in every gear. I can usually get it to shift into second when cold by pulling in the clutch and revving it to get the plates to release. It seems fairly simple in that I assume the clutch is sticking when cold, but only affecting 1st to second shift. I’ve adjusted the clutch to factory specs and changed the primary/clutch oil- no change in the symptoms. I used Harley primary oil although the primary oil change was overdue by a few thousand miles. The bike only has 15,000 miles. Any ideas would be appreciated. I plan to try changing the oil to conventional 20-50W if better ideas don’t pop up.

L

Hammerhead Pat · #2 03-23-2009, 07:42 PM

Larry, unfortunately I am not able to help you but one of the more knowlegable members will. just wanted to welcome you to the forum, you'll like it here!

unclepsycho · #3 03-23-2009, 11:40 PM

You say you changed the primary oil, but did you change the Tranny oil???

Both My bikes have trouble shifting once in a while , and I change the oil in the tranny and it shifts fine. I really gotta get the book out to see what they recomend for oil change intervals on the trans.

Good luck

larry1046 · #4 03-23-2009, 11:59 PM

Thanks Hammerhead and yes unclepsyco I changed the transmission oil also with the Harley recommended trans oil. The oil change interval for the primary and trans are both 5000 miles. The problem almost certainly is the clutch dragging when cold - but why
( cold means in this case not at operating temp).

unclepsycho · #5 03-24-2009, 12:10 AM

Well, sounds like you have done everything I can think of, I will set back and let the other guys hop in and offer up some info.

oh yeah, welcome aboard.

frisco-rigid · #6 03-24-2009, 03:16 AM

Hi Bud

First,, you might re-consider using 20-50 motor oil..
Years ago we ran it thru our primarys cuz the motor oil circulated thru the primary and back,,, can you believe that..????
OK anyway,, the clutch fiber disc's were made of diff material and the motor oil was ok to run thru them,, but now some motor oils have waaaay slippery properties that May result in a slipping clutch..

I don't have a solution,,, only guesses..

Once you've eliminated an adjustment prob (which evidently you've done) and gone so far as to change the fluid,,, about the only thing left is to dis-assemble the clutches and look for warpage or perhaps imbedded foreign debris in your fibers from running old dirty fluid..

Curious----how much play did you adjust into the clutch lever.?
It will not hurt to adjust to the small end-----1/16".. Cold..
Also, overfilling the primary can cause clutch drag.. ONE quart is good..

Have a ball

evoKENevo · #7 03-24-2009, 09:32 AM

Hi,Larry...welcome aboard
There's only 2 other little things I can add to what the guys have offered up...that just might help.

1st...if you have'nt adjusted your primary chain do that too.
2nd..when you get to inspecting etc as frisco recommended it would'nt hurt to wash all the metal & fiber clutch discs (if still good) one by one in small pan of lacquer thinner with something like a tooth brush to get any of the old fluid off them that may have gotten "sticky" and or kind of glazed on them...then blow-dry (compressed air) each one to remove as much residue as possible off them before reassembling

I've had some cases where (extreme example) otherwise perfectly good clutch plates were stuck together so tightly from that stuff they would'nt disengage at all with the clutch lever pulled in...after setting engaged (under pressure) for lengths of time... but could be slid apart (side-ways) when out of the hub...and cleaned up just fine.

larry1046 · #8 03-24-2009, 10:21 AM

Thanks for the responses. I did also adjust the primary chain at the fluid change. I have also adjusted the lever and the rod (at the clutch itself) to the low end of the adjustment range to get the maximum release. I think I'll try to drain a little oil as I have the Harley recommended 1 1/2 quarts in the primary. I don't think this is it since it was happening before I changed the oil. It is level with the clutch spring as shown in the manual. I'll take maybe a cup out and see what happens. "Crap" on the plates unfortunately seems like a good bet at this point. iIt sure looks like disassembly,cleaning, and checking. I'll see what the dealer wants for that clutch spring tool. Thanks for taking your time to answer! I'll post when I get this sorted out.
L

aceharleywrench · #9 03-25-2009, 03:46 PM

Quick note while I'm trying to choke down lunch between bikes.Check the spring plate in the center of the clutch pack (the riveted together,failure prone piece of crap) Also check your shift pawl adjustment (could also be shift return spring)My moneys on the spring plate!

larry1046 · #10 03-26-2009, 11:49 AM

Thanks aceharleywrench. I'll try that next. I have a delay in the process because of work, weather, and I believe I have to buy the diaphragm spring tool yet ( at least the service manual has scared me enough to think I need it). Denver has only had 19 inches of the 60 inches of snow we normally get. Today we are supposed to catch up by 12. We always (almost!) need the water.

L