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Clutch Questions and Funny Noise

10300 Views 22 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Fourtrax, 
Fourtrax
Hey everyone, I have two questions/problems I'm looking for help with. I have an 88 FourTrax 300 2wd that I've had for a little over a year. Bike runs great, always starts never had a lick of trouble until lately.

First problem is, I think the clutch is slipping but I haven't been able to figure out how the clutch system all works. My problem is not so much on take off but at higher speeds or when pulling a heavy load the rpms raise but I don't seem to gain any speed like it used to. I have adjusted the clutch with the screw on the side of the engine according to the service manual I have but it doesn't seem to make any difference. I did not notice this problem until after I pulled a drag harrow around for a while last summer so I think I probably glazed the clutch. However, what I don't understand is.. Are the two clutches? a centrifugal for take off and another one for shifting? I'm not sure which one would be in need of service.

Second Problem is a funny noise that the engine has made ever since I've owned it but never could figure out what it is. The noise sounds like "pinging" in a car engine combined with a rattle. It sounds like its coming from the top end of the engine and only happens when you drive at a constant throttle with a light to moderate load. Under WOT I don't notice it and at idle I can't hear it. My thought was cam chain? but I have no clue.

Anyway, sorry for the long post but, thanks in advance for any help.
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Fourtrax
Wow thanks guys I didn't expect so much info just in the time it took me to get lunch. :icon_ rocker: On the noise, I did adjust the valves once last year and I don't recall how it affected the noise. Anyway I fully intend to adjust them again here soon as I prepare it for summer. I will pay attention this time to see if the noise goes away. Then if not for the time being I'll try the trick with the adjuster. When I do start to tear into the clutch would that be an easy time to replace the chain anyway?

As far as replacing he clutch(s) how difficult is it? I have a honda service manual and decent set of tools with what I like to consider decent mechanical skills. Its not bad enough yet that it really hinders the riding of it only if I have the trailer on the back loaded down.
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Fourtrax
Yes I did use feeler guages all I have are the straight flat ones though not the angled ones which made it a little more difficult. I'm not certain I got the lock nut as tight as it should have been though. I do have a honda service manual that the guy I bought it from gave me. Although it doesn't seem to be most user friendly book at times.
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Fourtrax
I've been using Rotella T 15-40 (non synthetic) in it which from the information I read was safe for wet clutches and contains no friction modifiers. It also had the SJ and JASO certifications.

Here is SOME of the information I read about it before I started using it last year.

http://www.shellusserver.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=310&page=28
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Fourtrax
LOL you guys are a riot. :tongue: I totally understand about the "tricks" and its not the right way but it will get you by. Fortunately the only problem i have with the front brakes is the sight in the master cyl. is discolored and you can't see through it. Other than they work fine. I'll get the manual out I have and look through the clutch replacement section and see if there are any questions I have. It may be a while before I can swing new clutches so I may just have to baby it for a while. you guys know a good place to get all the parts? I usually order OEM from bike bandit but I'm thinking I'd like to go heavy duty with the clutches since I do tow and pull quite often with this thing.
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Fourtrax
So for like 30 cents you can totally overhaul the front brakes? HAHA Its not broken, and it don't leak just can't see through it. I'm not touching it till it drips.:tongue:
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Fourtrax
LOL I've already introduced the duct tape on the seat. :icon_ peace:
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