Kickstart/clutch problems?

M

MINI TRAIL 70 CRAZY

Member
i just rebuilt the carb on my 72 ct H it has been sitting for 20yrs? The bike only has 1,000 miles it started and runs great but I noticed the kickstarter would get stuck at a certain point then I would put it in gear and push the bike a foot to unjamb it ,then it would work again ,starting the bike but slipping sometimes? With the bike running and pulling the clutch in the bike lurches obviously the clutch plates must be stuck or something? Now the kickstart won't turn the motor ? Seems like it's not gripping enough? I'm sure I can push start it but would rather fix it? Can anyone help?
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
You are only trying to kickstart it in neutral, right?
You can't kickstart it in gear at all. Has to be in neutral.
 
M

MINI TRAIL 70 CRAZY

Member
kirrbby said:
You are only trying to kickstart it in neutral, right?
You can't kickstart it in gear at all. Has to be in neutral.
Click to expand...
I found part of the problem the clutch cable was adjusted too tight which was engaging the clutch and not allowing the kickstart to work. I fixed that problem by adjusting the cable. The kickstart is starting the bike now but it seems like it should recoil a lot more like my other Ct h?
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
Under the clutch cover you'll see the return spring and bits on the kick shaft. Something may be out of place.
Right side engine cover, I should've said.
 
M

MINI TRAIL 70 CRAZY

Member
Ok thanks what exactly am I looking for? Like I said the kickstarter doesn't engage until past the halfway point of the downward kicking motion barely turning the engine but I can get it started with some effort?
 
cjpayne

cjpayne

Well-Known Member
The clutch pack main springs may be weak. After 40plus years that may be part of the problem. I've run into weak old springs many times.
 
M

MINI TRAIL 70 CRAZY

Member
I looked under the clutch cover and it looks fine? This bike has been sitting for over 20 years I rebuilt the carb and changed the oil which was sooooo old it smelled exactly like varnished gas? Is it possible that old oil saturated the clutch? I Replaced the oil with Castrol 20w50. It ran good but seems like the kickstarter got progressively weaker? Now it's to the point where it only engages a bit? I'm guessing it needs clutch work?
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
I thought your kick lever wasn't returning...springing back.

It does sound more like the typical slipping clutch now. If the bike sat for 20 years, you really can't go wrong by opening up the right side of the engine, cleaning it up/out, rebuild the clutch and inspect everything in there. New clutch discs + a good cleaning, should cure your kickstart problems.
 
M

MINI TRAIL 70 CRAZY

Member
kirrbby said:
I thought your kick lever wasn't returning...springing back.

It does sound more like the typical slipping clutch now. If the bike sat for 20 years, you really can't go wrong by opening up the right side of the engine, cleaning it up/out, rebuild the clutch and inspect everything in there. New clutch discs + a good cleaning, should cure your kickstart problems.
Click to expand...
Ok Thanks for all the help! How big of a job am I in for?
 
cjpayne

cjpayne

Well-Known Member
This will get you most of the way. Read it completely through first. Kirrbby posted some pics in the replies too.
https://lilhonda.com/index.php?thre...pinner-screen-cleaning-on-72hk1-4speed.19075/

You will need the clutch nut removal tool. Replace the main springs too while your in there. The clutch itself is pretty simple, but take pics as you go along, just in case you cant remember. I've done that many times and sometimes I was glad I did.lol.

You also mentioned that you used Castrol oil in the bike and said things got progressively worse. Use MC wet clutch oil, like Honda GN4 or Valvoline MC stuff. I use the Valvoline MC wet clutch 10/40. Some here use the 20/50 stuff.
 
Gary

Gary

Well-Known Member
Like everything oils have sure changed in the last 50ish years. Back then we had no choice and really it didn't even matter because there was nothing but automotive to use anyway. I think at that time HD was one of the only ones who had their "own" branded oil. We certainly weren't going to use that stuff anyway they'd make fun of us and laugh us out of there! Actually my dealer sold HD's and Honda's but I digress. In '95 I got back into bikes and started using the automotive oils we had used as kids. I found out right away with my TL 125 that automotive oil actually made the plates stick sometimes in as little as a week. With the change to lower zinc levels of even newer oils,using motorcycle oil rated for use in wet clutches makes even more sense. I used to use Honda oil but my dealer only carries 20-50 so I started using Valvoline 10-30 which in my area is easy to find.
 
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