Clutch noise V7 special

[Hymes Inc.]

I get a low screeching noise when I engage the clutch. Only does it first take off from warming up. Once I've riden the bike it doesn't do it. Other than the noise it works fine. Any ideas?  Also having an issue with the key wanting to get stuck in the gas cap if I push it in more then half way. Will still unlock only halfway in but I went to far today and it took some work to get it out. 450 miles from home with the key stuck in the gas cap had me worried a bit.

[malik]

The key sometimes sticks. A light application of lubricant usually solves that problem. I don't know about the more troubling clutch noise problem, sorry.

[Triple Jim]

I get a low screeching noise when I engage the clutch.

Just to clarify, this means when you release the lever, correct?

[Hymes Inc.]

Just to clarify, this means when you release the lever, correct?

Yes. Noticed today on the way home from Kansas it will do it if the bike sits for 30 minutes. We stopped at a DQ and it made the noise when we left.

[Hymes Inc.]

Well now it's louder. Inconsistent and doesn't require releasing the clutch to make the noise. Has to be in gear. Sounds like a throw out bearing or pilot bushing. Gets really loud with revs. Might be canceling the little Wisconsin trek I have planned for Mon-Tues.

[pete roper]

Here we go again!

Was it recently serviced?

Pete

[Hymes Inc.]

Here we go again!

Was it recently serviced?

Pete

6000 miles ago

[pete roper]

Have you checked the gearbox oil level?

Have a squizz at this thread.

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=91373.0

I really, really hope it hasn't been running low oil but the symptoms are all there.

Drain the oil, if it's had only a tiny bit in for 6,000 miles what comes out will be very ugly.

Pete

[Hymes Inc.]

Will do it now. Didn't mention that everything still functions correctly, just noise.

[Hymes Inc.]

Oil full and clean.

[Hymes Inc.]

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?326857-V7-Clutch-Rod-and-Throw-Out-Bearing-Replacement

Could this be the issue?

[pete roper]

Oh, they're tough, but not indestructible. It could possibly be the clutch thrust bearing but I doubt it as when they go west it changes the lever feel and travel. To me it sounds like the classic under filling situation.

What I can't understand is how this happens? That gearbox, in one form or another, has been in production since 1977 basically. Up until only a few years ago I'd never heard of one being under filled due to a mix up with the descriptions of the gearbox and bevelbox. Now it seems to be almost commonplace! Why??? If the gearbox has just been drained surely it's obvious that more than 1/4 of a litre comes out. So why only put 1/4 of a litre back in? And then when you come to the bevelbox, if you've simply put in the tiny amount in the gearbox by extrapolation the much larger amount has to go in the bevelbox, yes? Only it won't bloody fit! Even if you pour it in through the breather hole in the top of the box a lot of it wont fit and will flow out all over the rear wheel! That would seem to be a pretty good hint that just maybe you're doing it wrong!

It worrys me, it really does! I mean if these idiots aren't picking up on stuff like that how in hell are they actually ever going to diagnose a real problem? Tarot cards? A bleeding Divining Rod? Examining the entrails of a chicken?

AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGH HHHHHHHH!

Pete

[pete roper]

When you say oil full and clean you don't mean the engine oil checked with the dipstick? You took the plug out of the side of the gearbox and tipped the bike slightly to the right and oil came out?

Pete

[Hymes Inc.]

When you say oil full and clean you don't mean the engine oil checked with the dipstick? You took the plug out of the side of the gearbox and tipped the bike slightly to the right and oil came out?

Pete

Yes. I even took the drain plug out and drained all the gear oil out just to see if I had any sludge or metal in there. Very little on the plug magnet.

[pete roper]

Well that's a relief!

OK, so next port of call would be the thrust bearing which sits at the back of the box. You'll need to drop the swingarm off to access it. I still remain skeptical as to that being the issue as they don't usually squeal and the lever travel and feel change as they break up.

I still think the problem will most likely be one of the internal bearings in the gearbox but checking the thrust bearing is the next logical step.

Pete

[Hymes Inc.]

OK. doing that now.

[Hymes Inc.]

Small snag. What is the best way to prop the back of the bike up? Side stand only. Feels way to wobbly even with my large plate floor jack.

[pete roper]

Tie the front end down by the bars to your bench or the floor and lift the bike under the sump but make sure you use a piece of wood to spread the load across the sump. If you jack directly on the sump you risk punching a hole in it.

Pete

[wymple]

OK more info time. Rode the bike out to dad's, he has a table for this. Noticed the bike will make the noise in neutral also but only when the clutch is pulled in. Notice no noise when riding.

[pete roper]

Sorry? Do you have two board names or are we now talking about another completely different bike? Unfortunately I don't have a crystal ball!

[Hymes Inc.]

Sorry? Do you have two board names or are we now talking about another completely different bike? Unfortunately I don't have a crystal ball!

No, lol. Was at Dad's and forgot to log him out. Bike is still in one piece, have to get his chopper off the table first.

[Huzo]

Sorry? Unfortunately I don't have a crystal ball!

Oh I'd been mis informed, what was the operation then?

[Hymes Inc.]

Update. It was the throw out bearing. The rod and bushing are also worn with discoloration from heat buildup. Took some pictures and will post when I get home. The clutch cable adjuster at the hand lever was snapped off, wonder if that contributed to the premature wear?

[Hymes Inc.]

These are links to shutterfly. Haven't picked a suitable replacement for photobucket yet.

https://pix.sfly.com/Umn07T

https://pix.sfly.com/RNFVxm

https://pix.sfly.com/AzJGvm

[Billy]

If I understand it:
Cause (1) OR cause (2):
(1) Thrust bearing, and potentially associated immediate parts, are the cause of engine screeching when it is DIRECTLY correlated with clutch lever engage/disengagement (directly and purposefully when pumping with the hand).
(2) But if, engine screeching is loosely associated with the clutch engage/disengage process (sometimes occurs, sometimes not), then the cause is actually the bearings in the gearbox.
I propose that the test is: (Aside from testing existing oil level, and assuming damage was done in the past): If engine screeching occurs independently of clutch movement, though does appear to be somehow related: Then Purposely stall in 1st gear until screech reveals. This process puts pressure on the bearings in the gear box. to start screeching sound.

[wymple]

I've been riding with him, and I say number 1.  Also, I saw the bearing & rod, the pieces are crap condition. I'm not buying the gears idea.

[Hymes Inc.]

I did finally got all the new parts in the bike. Very quick and easy. I did however have to drill out the end of the cable adjuster. The metal housing the cable comes out of wouldn't fit into the new adjuster. Once I get the spark plug cap nonsense straightened out she will be all better.