Author Topic: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in  (Read 5055 times)

Offline hammick

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Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« on: August 14, 2013, 11:03:00 PM »
I am going to troubleshoot this issue tomorrow and want to make sure I understand the procedure

1.  Remove tank and locate the plug for the clutch switch

2.  Check continuity of the clutch switch with the clutch pulled in

3.  If no continuity replace the clutch switch


Is there a way to remove the clutch switch for cleaning without cutting off the plastic?  If I have continuity with the clutch pulled, what is the next step?

Thanks.

Offline Scott_

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Re: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2013, 11:26:08 PM »
I am going to troubleshoot this issue tomorrow and want to make sure I understand the procedure

1.  Remove tank and locate the plug for the clutch switch

2.  Check continuity of the clutch switch with the clutch pulled in

3.  If no continuity replace the clutch switch


Is there a way to remove the clutch switch for cleaning without cutting off the plastic?  If I have continuity with the clutch pulled, what is the next step?

Thanks.

If you disconnect the wire under the tank and pull it out, you might be able to unscrew the switch from the lever perch with a small pair of needle nose pliers but I doubt it.

You could try to spray some WD40 or similar into the lever perch at the switch plunger and see if that helps or not, but I'd figure on just replacing the switch and be done with it.
  • My Garage
1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
1997 K1100LT 0302488 (R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb

Offline hammick

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Re: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2013, 12:34:39 AM »
Thanks. It's the switch. I taped the clutch back and pulled out the pin with small needle nose and it would crank in gear. Worked in a lot of WD-40 and so far it still sticks. Pretty sure the spring is corroded or worn out.

Cheap easy fix if you can get a socket on the nut.

Other than this my bike is 100%


Offline Scott_

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Re: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2013, 06:38:10 AM »
Quote
Cheap easy fix if you can get a socket on the nut.

If you are surely committed to remove the old one, just cut the wire at the back side of the switch and a socket will then fit. IIRC it's 10mm.
  • My Garage
1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
1997 K1100LT 0302488 (R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb

Offline hammick

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Re: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2013, 11:23:16 AM »
I removed the switch.  Had to cut the wife and cut off the rubber housing.  I used a 7/16" deep well socket to remove it.  My 10mm socket was too small for the nut.

Switch felt gritty and I don't think there is any way to bring one back to life.  I'm buying one on Ebay for $18 shipped.

Thanks for all the help.

ps.:  while I had the tank removed I cleaned everything really good under there and checked my air filter.

Offline CRASH

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Re: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2013, 05:21:58 PM »
Man, if I had to cut my wife to fix my bike, she would have left me years ago.  :hehehe
- CRASH -

Offline hammick

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Re: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« Reply #6 on: August 16, 2013, 10:13:42 AM »
He he.  She'll learn her lesson to stay out of my garage. :eek:

Offline skidmore

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  • Posts: 87
Re: Bike won't start in gear with the clutch in
« Reply #7 on: August 22, 2013, 01:47:33 PM »
ROFL I had to reread that two times to fully realize you meant "wiRe".....
current: 1992 K75RT ABS and elec windshield, baby!

previous: 1992 K75, 1983 R100, five spooo-ooort bikes, a Sportster, two XS650 Specials....and probably a partridge in a pear tree somewhere along the way
*******************
Frankenduck said: "I haven't backfired a K75 in lord knows how many miles - but I could if I wanted to."

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