1986 1VJ - Is my clutch about to die?
 

I am in Accra at the moment and the symptoms are as follows - The bike ticks over fine in neutral and in gear when the bike is stationary and the clutch is depressed but stalls when I brake at low speeds. Symptoms come and go as well but are usually present. I am technically challenged but have made it this far so any advice as to what is wrong and what I can do about it (as simple as possible please) would be much appreciated. Cheers.

Doesn't really sound like any clutch problem I have come across.
Have you checked/lubed the clutch cable.
I once stripped the clutch and replaced the springs on my old Honda 550 f2, only to find it was a sticky cable!!
Moral of the story - check the obvious stuff first. Good Luck

Funnily enough after lots of messing about I decided to adjust the clutch cable which immediately solved the problem. Next day however the problem returned. Further adjustments temporarily eased the problem except now the cable is so tight it causes the clutch to slip when it is in gear. I will definitely double check all the simple stuff again though and thanks alot for your reply. Anyone else any ideas in the mean time?

The concern I ahve at this point is that it is easy for you "technically challenged" to think it's fine but it isn't.

Strongly recommend chasing around for a mechanic - an experienced mechanic may solve the problem in seconds. Doesn't have to be a Yamaha mechanic, even a car mechanic if he really knows what he's doing can help.

COULD be a combination problem - maladjusted clutch cable and a dirty carb causing poor low speed running.


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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

This is definitely worn clutch plates. When the plates wear their thickness is reduced so the 'declutching' pin is pushed more towards the left of the engine. So, cable play is reduced more and more with wearing plates.
This also explains your stalling problems, your clutch could not disengage fully anymore, so rear wheel stops in first gear and blocks the engine. Running in neatral is fine, as is pulling away with a bit of throttle.
Best to replace the plates or at least do something against the slipping that causes the wear. If no plates available consider to put some washers under the springs to increase perssure. However, new plates is preferred. Don't forget to also order / buy the gasket for the clutch covert. It's a bitch to make yourself (as I just had to do).

Auke

The mechanic spotted the problem in about 20 seconds and it will cost me $20 to get it fixed. The carb was not seated properly on the engine, something I would not have spotted - probably the consequence of a minor mishap I had in Mali. CHEERS!