I hate the dreaded clutch drag

[Wayne Orwig]

His pricing is pretty good on the hats. Where he gets you is the shipping and fondling charge. 

Don't tell everyone, geez.

Harry, from everything you describe, I would go in again just to confirm the intermediate plate isn't bend, etc.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Don't tell everyone, geez.

Harry, from everything you describe, I would go in again just to confirm the intermediate plate isn't bend, etc.

Yep, already told him.. 

Well, at any rate, it won't take long to get back in there and find out.

[oldlegs]

Harry, clutching at straws here for you, but I once had similar problems with a similar layout and it was caused by excessive crankshaft end float using up some of the lever travel. Steve.

[Tom H]

After re-reading all the post and what has been done, hate to say it, it might be time to pull the trans and look at the friction plates to make sure they are in the right direction. As mentioned, also check the metal plates. Also double check that a spring did not fall over, that might also cause the pressure plate to not move in correctly.

I'm not big on the putting the front wheel against the wall and trying to break the plates loose. If there is something installed wrong inside, it could cause damage.

Hopefully someone has another option to try before pulling the trans again.

On a loop frame it's not to bad to do, I don't look forward to that job on my Tonti EV Touring.

Again, good luck!!
Tom

[Tom H]

Kirby,

Was reading a few post about the wall type idea with the engine running and trying to free this or that up, or just burn down a tire Just the starter for a short burst might not be a bad idea? Still a bit worried it might hurt something in THIS perticuler case.

I always hated the which side up on the friction plates. I made a note in the loop manual about which way they go in.

Tom

[Tom H]

I seem to remember somewhere at least for loops, you wanted the arm on the trans to be at least 90deg or more with the adjust against the plunger. More would even be fine. This is for loops:
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_clutch_adjustment.html

If applicable, might be of help before pulling the trans for a final external check???

Tom

[flynguzzi]

Place the front tire against a tree and slip the clutch for 30-40 seconds then ride it a bit to cool down the clutch. If you still have problems, try it again. No more than 2 times if it does not cure the problem move on.  jb

[fotoguzzi]

Place the front tire against a tree and slip the clutch for 30-40 seconds then ride it a bit to cool down the clutch. If you still have problems, try it again. No more than 2 times if it does not cure the problem move on.  jb

Umm.. I would rather take it apart than try that.. 

I forgot, did you use a compression tool when you tightened up the pressure plate? did you hear a funny noise like a boing when doing it?  I'm still going with a warped intermediate plate. or the spring alignment off..
nevermind, I see you did everything right.. I still wouldn't run it against a tree..

[harrytief]

All right...I'm holding my nose and going in...SPLASH!
Harry

[fotoguzzi]

[Tom H]

Good luck with your dive! Take your time and make sure all is right! If in doubt please ask!!

If you don't have a manual for your bike, try my link above and go to the home page. He has alot of Guzzi info and many manuals.

Sorry it was not a simple fix 
Tom

[harrytief]

I pulled the transmission today and carefully dismantled the clutch looking for any clue why it would not disengaged. Found none. Plates facing to the rear. All springs present and in their place. Push rod foot plate not forgotten. Push rod, inner and outer bodies free to move. What to do? I put the clutch and transmission back together but decided to test the thing before putting the bike back together. I rigged up a spare cable, lever and clip on and attached all to the clutch lever at the back of the transmission. I made a tool from an old u-joint to turn the output shaft and a vice grip to shift gears. In neutral, the output shaft turned freely and not at all in first...until I squeezed the makeshift clutch lever. Success! It works just fine with good free play. At least I have come out of this with a test rig for my next clutch job...in my next life. All I can think of is that one or more springs may not have seated properly even tho' the flywheel and pressure plate were correctly aligned.
Next
Harry

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I put the clutch and transmission back together but decided to test the thing before putting the bike back together. I rigged up a spare cable, lever and clip on and attached all to the clutch lever at the back of the transmission. I made a tool from an old u-joint to turn the output shaft and a vice grip to shift gears. In neutral, the output shaft turned freely and not at all in first...until I squeezed the makeshift clutch lever. Success! It works just fine with good free play.

 

I do that every time I'm reassembling. Beats assembling the complete bike then finding out the clutch doesn't disengage. I turn the output shaft with an old driveshaft coupler grabbed with Vise-Grips.

[Tom H]

Glad to hear you have it sorted out!!!

Tom

[harrytief]

Thank you for your support gentlemen.
Yes K1923, but learning at the expense of one's dignity....
I certainly spent a moment or two kicking my a$$ for being careless and inattentive fixing a motorcycle to which I entrust said a$$.
That too is a lesson.
Thanks again
Harry

[fotoguzzi]

YIPPEE! any bruised knuckles?

[smdl]

Way to go, Harry!

Shaun

[Muzz]

Moto Guzzi, making mechanics out of riders since 1921.

Well done Harry.   I thought I heard your sigh of relief from down here.

I know there have been many times I would have been in deep do do without the combined expertise found here.

[Tom H]

I forgot to ask, and have the "I got's to know" feeling

After you went through the clutch again and then put it all back together with the trans installed and tested with your test setup.

Did you still need the push rod spacer????

Again, glad you have it sorted out!! Been there, done that! Pulled a loop trans  out and installed a replacement only to find (after complete reassembly and a ride down the block) the shift pattern was reversed. Pulled again and a correct replacement was done in the same weekend. My back and legs were killing me after that.

Tom