Clutch doesn't disengage when hot

[ChromeSofa]

Back in September when I purchased my 01 1500 nomad I had a problem in heavy traffic where the clutch lever would not disengage the clutch. In first gear, the bike kept pulling me forward until it stalled and the rear tire locked up.

Last week I was in heavy traffic again- and it wasn't as bad, but when I pulled the clutch in it was still dragging a little and I had to hold the brake to keep from s l o w l y creeping forward.

Any ideas? All fluids were changed between first and second incident.

Edit: additional info... Only 4k miles on bike.

[Blueraven]

Did you actually remove the fluid cables to see if there was any dirt blocking it holes? I have been told that because my clutch slips (when hot) that there may be dirt in the lines and the system (clutch) needs new fluild and for the cables to be cleaned.

[cnc]

Either the push rod is no moving in far enough to fully disengage the clutch, or the clutch discs are sticking.
If the rod is not moving far enough, it could be some air in the system, or the master or slave cylinder has a slight internal leak. If it is the clutch its self it could be warped discs or oil related.
What motor oil are you using and when was it changed?
When you find it not fully disengaging, try putting the bike in neutral and pump the clutch lever a few times then pop it back in 1st. if that temporary cures it, the problem is likely in the hydraulic system and not your clutch discs.
I would then try re bleeding the system first.

[trosco]

Norms right, when the fuids were replaced you got some air in the slave cyl and it needs to be bled

[ChromeSofa]

I wish i could be more specific as to what oil was used but i had a reputable mechanic do the work.

I can say for a fact that the cables were not removed. I had mentioned the problem to him at the time and i think he also said it could be either dirt or a leak in a master or slave cylinder.

I think we agreed since it happened once while hot it could be old fluid at fault or a piece of dirt which can pass.

Well, its definitely sumthin:-0

[MAS Tequila]

It sounds like there could be some moisture in the system also.

Any moisture will cause the same problem.

Also you need to check the return hole in the master cylinder. If it is partially blocked, you will get the same symptoms.

MT

Originally Posted by trosco

Norms right, when the fuids were replaced you got some air in the slave cyl and it needs to be bled

[PapaMidnite]

I had a similar thing happen . I cracked the line at the master with the no pressure on the clutch lever and had alot of fluid come out meaning that the clutch was not being aloud to return when I had changed the fluid some dirt had blocked the return port it is very small easy to do .I would empty master cycl. clean it with brake clean with the line removed , reattch line and bleed master cycl. and slave cycl. should be fine .

[kenb]

Originally Posted by PapaMidnite

I had a similar thing happen . I cracked the line at the master with the no pressure on the clutch lever and had alot of fluid come out meaning that the clutch was not being aloud to return when I had changed the fluid some dirt had blocked the return port it is very small easy to do .I would empty master cycl. clean it with brake clean with the line removed , reattch line and bleed master cycl. and slave cycl. should be fine .

Brake parts cleaner can have negative effects on rubber seals. Be careful if it is used inside the master or slave. Flushing with clean brake fluid may be a better option. JMHO

[PapaMidnite]

Originally Posted by kenb

Brake parts cleaner can have negative effects on rubber seals. Be careful if it is used inside the master or slave. Flushing with clean brake fluid may be a better option. JMHO

Just to put your mind at ease .I have been using Brake clean for 35 yrs no ill effects yet .. At least not on rubber parts the compounds have changed alot

[ChromeSofa]

If it were debris, why would the problem only surface when sitting in traffic?
If it were water, wouldnt it come out with the previous fluid change?

[MAS Tequila]

Originally Posted by ChromeSofa

If it were debris, why would the problem only surface when sitting in traffic?
If it were water, wouldnt it come out with the previous fluid change?

Do you have any noise on deceleration?

If the outer bearing in the front bevel gear is on it's way out, it will heat up the fluid in the slave cylinder and cause just such a problem.

MT

[ChromeSofa]

Not that I've noticed. Bike only has 5k miles on it.