Clutch Problems New Motor

GoldenMotor.com

72tx340

New Member
Mar 24, 2010
166
3
0
Caribou Maine
I just got a new motor im installing and the clutch doesnt work. You pull the lever and the motor is always ingaged any help?
 

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
175
63
Littleton, Colorado
This is a common problem. If you're sure you have enough tension on the clutch cable, there should be little to no slack in the engine end of the cable where it attaches to the clutch arm, then there is a good chance the clutch pads are stuck. The easiest fix is to push in as far as you can on the arm with hand pressure. It takes a lot so wrap the arm with a rag and put some force into it. Many times you'll actually hear the clutch free itself with a 'clunk' sound. If this fails, remove the clutch actuator cover and look for the 5/16" diameter pin which should be protruding from the center of the drive sprocket. Using a plastic headed hammer, or a block of wood to protect the pin, give it a couple of good solid raps with the hammer. If these methods don't help you get back to us. We'll get you going.
Tom
 

GearNut

Active Member
Aug 19, 2009
5,104
11
38
San Diego, Kaliforgnia
The clutches on brand new motors are notorious for this. The clutch shoes seem to "glue" themselves in place when they are sitting in storage for a long time.
The common cure is to remove the 3 screws holding the engine sprocket cover on and remove the cover exposing the "bucking bar" sticking out of the center of the sprocket shaft. Give the bucking bar a good hit with a hammer to jar loose the clutch guts.
Just one good hit will do. Do NOT hit is so hard as to knock it into next week! You don't want to damage anything.
NOTE: behind the bucking bar, up inside the hollow sprocket shaft, is a single ball bearing.
It is a good idea to pack some good quality grease up in there to help lubricate the ball as the factories are usually a bit chintzy when they assemble these little beasts.
Here's a good show on the whole assembly to help clarify things.
http://motorbicycling.com/f30/animated-view-motorized-bicycle-clutch-assembly-8939.html

Also, the classic instructions section has tons of answers to questions you will have in the future.
Classic Instructions for Building and Repairing Motorized Bicycle Engine Kits - Bicycle Engine Kit Classic Posts at Motorized Bicycle Forum

Enjoy!