Clutch slipping

[Lindseysmi]

Hello All .... I am a new owner of 2 months and have an issue that some may have had and need suggestions. My clutch slips after getting the engine temperature up by riding for about 20 min or so. I had to use the kill switch at every light to get home the other day if I didn't put it in neutral and coast to a stop.
After going through the service manual I believe my issue may be related to the oil level, but it appears the issue could be from to low, or to high of a level. Checking the oil level properly seems to be a challenge and I am starting to believe the stick does not measure accurately.
So, my plan today is to drain the oil and start over ....  I was told to put exactly 3.5 quarts in by someone and see if the problem goes away.

Any suggestions would be helpful ....  Mine is #516 with 7,400 mile on it ... All of the suggestions and repairs that I  have read about have been completed by the previous owner.

[2CoolWheels]

Hi Lindseysmi,
   I'm a little confused, you say you have to use the kill switch or put it in neutral to stop without stalling. It sounds like the clutch is not fully disengaging, is this correct?
  Mike
  #741 #901

[2CoolWheels]

If it is staying engaged, I would check the fluid. The slave cylinders tend to leak a bit on these bikes. Top the fluid off if this is the case, and bleed the slave cylinder. This should get you by until you can replace the slave cylinder seals. Atlantic EH has the better, Viton seals available for the clutch slave.
   Mike
  #741 #901

[wytfut]

Also Lindsey,
     I'm hoping that someone told you about the ritual to check the oil?
     Here is it..:
     Make sure engine is warmed up. Start. Run up throttle to close to 3k rpms.  Run it at this speed for at least 30 seconds or so. Shut off engine, put on kick stand. And wipe off stick. Put stick back in, pull out.... and it should show in the middle hash....
     One of the obvious over full... it'll puke oil out the breather, where ever it is located on your bike (I'm really hoping that it isn't still dumping into the air cleaner). Some will take 3.5 quarts some less, some more.... pay attention, and you'll figure it out.

     As for the slave cylinder "O" rings.... Mike is right on the money. If it is leaking out, there will be a wet spot below the slave cylinder on the primary.  If its leaking "in"... there will be no signs other than your master will show up low.

      From what you describe, it sounds like the "O" rings maybe bleeding by.

       Being our clutches are oil bathed.... if you do ride in heavy traffic in hot weather, or have been riding it hard.... the transmission may have a tendancy to shift hard, but nothing like what you describe.

Bruce

[Jumper]

Hey Lindsey... Does your X have the Mods done to it? If your Oil level is down, The clutch can be hard to disengage. I run my oil up to or in between the Full Hot to Full Cold. Sometimes I'll get a few drops of puke or Vapor, but at least I know it has plenty of oil. Likewise, If you do not have the mods, ie: Viton seals in the Clutch Slave cylinder, the D.O.T. 5 may be getting past the O-Rings. It's not too hard of a job to change the seals out, bleed system and adjust per spec's.
Ask questions if you need help!

Jumper

[wytfut]

Good one Jumper... totally agree.
I'm not sure what Lindsey knows or doesn't know.....
So I'd like to say.... Its gotta be DOT 5 or there is going to be trouble...

[Lindseysmi]

Thanks everyone ....
Mike your are correct, the clutch engages and starts to pull forward at a stop .... or when down shifting it will engage while I have the clutch lever pulled in.  I had that backwards ...
I can shift into first, pull off and shift gears just fine, but I can not hold the clutch lever in long or it will engage.
I have read the service book concerning the clutch, and also how to check the oil and it seems to be low.  I called the previous owner and he said he had just serviced everything before I picked up the bike so the oil should be fine. It does NOT have any leaks that he or I am aware of and he said that he had never had any problems except when he put to much oil in it and experienced the blow out from the breather.  HE used 20/50 Synthetic oil and always has. He stated that he quit trying to use the stick and just put 3.5 quarts in and all was good. The bike doesn't leak or smoke at all.
I will check the slave seals

Bruce, I believe that is what the book states but it is NOT in the middle of the of the hash ... It was just below ADD so I put about a half of a quart and now; the problem. It is not in the middle now but at least it is touching the hash area. I wasn't sure if the 1/2 qt is the problem or a coincidence. Could a 1/2 a quart really cause this problem? If I add more to get it in the middle of the hash ... what is the worse that could happen?  I am asking for your opinions and DO NOT in any way hold anyone but myself responsible for what I do... (I read the forums)
It is sad that people have to worry when they are just trying to help.

Jumper I have receipts from the original owner that show all of the mods I am aware of have been completed including an oil cooler to help maintain the temperature. The original owner has a car lot and he made this a show bike ... custom paint and chrome everywhere. It really looks good ... then he parked it . I may recheck the oil level as stated by Bruce and add .... I know it will need it based on my previous tests and you all saying it should be near the middle / top of the hash marks. Wayne (the guy I bought it from) said he did not use the stick because he would put 3.5 qts. in and it would still show low.

Could the use of the full synthetic be part of the problem?

Last thing .... I am not a mechanic, but I do like to tinker and hopefully can follow the book

Thank you all for your input ...  Lindsey Smith

[Jumper]

Hey Lindsey... If your in the hash marks, you should be o.k... I just push the limits and run the bike as full as I can and yes, I've been know to "puke" or have the "Vapors" sometimes. This is not a problem for me as I vent the crankcase out the back end and out the rear fender of the X... In your case, before you follow my advice, look for where you engine is vented.. If it vents anywhere like the left side in front of the engine, the rear brake caliper or under the seat or into the Air Box, use CAUTION about over filling...Vent out the rear? Try adding 8 oz's, ride a while and re check.  Look for a Vapor or a drip under the vent. No drip? Up on the hash marks a bit?, Try another 8 oz's. Repeat warm up and short ride. Check again. The way I do it can be messy though so use caution. If you get above the X's and below the HOT FULL mark and not puke, You "should"  be o.k.
Oh yeah... Use Mobil 1 20-50 V-Twin oil! It's the BEST! (Heheheehee. I gonna start an oil "discussion")
Jumper