Help Help Please!! Grabbing Clutch Problem fixed

[chief]

Good. Thanks for letting us know.

[paulfuller12]

I discovered the problem. The PO had worked on or had someone work on the clutch. They had forgotten one of the large thrust washers that flank the clutch hub. It was the rear one behind the clutch hub so the hub where the lateral springs are were cutting into the case !!! This is where the metal shavings in the oil was coming from. They also lost the thrust washer on the water pump shaft. I have seen this before as it falls into the drain pan and can end up in the used oil container. I changed oil twice and there is no more metal in the oil. 

[chief]

Does this happen every time, hot or cold? When did you change the oil? Used the correct oil? When did you last inspect your clutch plates? Hydro fluid change?

Sticking clutch plates happen occasionally and are more pronounced with the bike/oil is cold or the bike has sat for a while. A little lurch into 1st is normal, especially when cold. Usually changing the oil and using the proper oil will help. Also, our bikes don't have much adjustment for the clutch lever, so the contact point is very high on the lever. If you let out the clutch too quickly you will get this grab feeling. Make sure you know where the contact point is. Make sure you follow the PM relating to the hydraulic fluid/clutch. And, lastly, if all else fails, open the box and inspect the clutch plates and springs and holders.

Let us know what you find out.

[paulfuller12]

Just bought a 99 1500. This is my 4th Drifter. Clutch is grabbing when let out anything but very slowly. It happens if I take off in 1st, 2nd it seems to be clutch related like it grabs all of a sudden. Have had the rear wheel off to check if anything loose or broken but everything looks ok. Tightened up and then replaced the motor mounts as they were under torque. When letting out the clutch slowly with the revs up a little I can pull away smoothly. If I release the lever normally It grabs abruptly and the bike jumps forward like I let the clutch out all the way. Any ideas? Has anyone had a similar problem?