Clutching at straws
- simon.holyfield
- Holder of a Platinum Anorak
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Clutching at straws
Folks,
The clutch on my SQ4 is perfectly adjusted and works beautifully until the engine is hot, when it seems to get very stiff on the lever.
Any bright ideas why?
The clutch on my SQ4 is perfectly adjusted and works beautifully until the engine is hot, when it seems to get very stiff on the lever.
Any bright ideas why?
cheers
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
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Re: Clutching at straws
Could the engine heat be affecting the clutch cable. Many modern cables have a liner between the inner cable and outer sheath. If the cable is getting hot enough it may soften the liner. Just a thought. Cheers, Chris.
- simon.holyfield
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Re: Clutching at straws
Could be. I've discovered that the clutch cable doesn't have enough play in it, so we'll see if that makes a difference.Chris Sealy wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:04 pm Could the engine heat be affecting the clutch cable. Many modern cables have a liner between the inner cable and outer sheath. If the cable is getting hot enough it may soften the liner. Just a thought. Cheers, Chris.
cheers
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
- robjameson
- Holder of a Silver Anorak
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Re: Clutching at straws
That could well be it. I once overheated the clutch on Dads MK2 while in stop start traffic in Milton Keynes, he ended up swapping bikes with me after first adjusting the cable right down to give some more free play. They do need a bit.
Rob Jameson
AOMCC Member Number 4068
1957 Ariel VH
1954 Ariel KH
1948 Ariel 4G with 1920's Ariel Sidecar/Triumph Chassis
AOMCC Twin Spares Organiser
AOMCC Member Number 4068
1957 Ariel VH
1954 Ariel KH
1948 Ariel 4G with 1920's Ariel Sidecar/Triumph Chassis
AOMCC Twin Spares Organiser
- simon.holyfield
- Holder of a Platinum Anorak
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Re: Clutching at straws
It's definitely better, but it's not as good as I'd like. Fine on the move, more notchy than usual at a standstill.
cheers
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
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- Holder of a Silver Anorak
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Re: Clutching at straws
Simon,
How is your clutch cable routed?
I find routing the cable down the front downtube and along the top of
the primary drive and then across to the gearbox works noticeably
smoother than under the tank and down.
It might not look so tidy but after a day's heaving on a heavy clutch
cable I know which I'd rather have.
How is your clutch cable routed?
I find routing the cable down the front downtube and along the top of
the primary drive and then across to the gearbox works noticeably
smoother than under the tank and down.
It might not look so tidy but after a day's heaving on a heavy clutch
cable I know which I'd rather have.
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Re: Clutching at straws
All mine have ended up that way. I also regularly run gear oil down the cable using a piece of rubber pipe cut half way up one side and a hoseclamp. Nev
- paul.jameson
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Re: Clutching at straws
Cable routing might well be the key here. I use Will's route on all my bikes. Another possibility might be water in the cable if the bike has been out in a downpour. In my student days, I used to use grease in the lver slots, etc. to prevent any water getting into the cables. It shouldn't be a problem though with nylon lined cables. Even these, I lubricate with engine oil, despite the warnings to use only Duck oil, and very rarely have any problems. But I think the time comes when the nylon has been worn through or the outer has cracked and the only option is to replace the cable.
Paul Jameson
35 LG (project), 37 RH500, 52 ex ISDT KHA, 54 KH(A), 75 Healey 1000/4.
Former Machine Registrar & Archivist, General Secretary and Single Spares Organiser (over a 25 year period).
Now Archivist (but not Machine Registrar), Gauges and Clocks Spares Organiser.
35 LG (project), 37 RH500, 52 ex ISDT KHA, 54 KH(A), 75 Healey 1000/4.
Former Machine Registrar & Archivist, General Secretary and Single Spares Organiser (over a 25 year period).
Now Archivist (but not Machine Registrar), Gauges and Clocks Spares Organiser.
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Re: Clutching at straws
My clutch cables are always routed under the tank - for GB box and BA box. I've never had a heavy clutch.
I must be on the dark side!
SG
I must be on the dark side!
SG
Web admin (webmaster@arielownersmcc.com)
'55 Huntmaster, '56 VH, ' 51 VH, '62 Arrow, '80 R100RT, '00 Sprint ST (now with a new Arrow project, and just now those 4-stroke Ariel parts can't even make one running bike...)
'55 Huntmaster, '56 VH, ' 51 VH, '62 Arrow, '80 R100RT, '00 Sprint ST (now with a new Arrow project, and just now those 4-stroke Ariel parts can't even make one running bike...)
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- Holder of a Platinum Anorak
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Re: Clutching at straws
Avoiding tight cable bends always helps.. I also set the clutch springs to just hold PLUS about 1/2 turn. Nev
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