Gear selecting problem.

[mark.scott]

Hi - Thanks to a local member I've finally got my 1936 RH 500 running, but now I'm having difficulty with the gears. I can't seem to select first (or second) from neutral very easily when the engine is running and the bike is stationary. I get that horrible grinding noise! When first is finally selected all other gear (including first from second) selection seems fine when riding. I've adjusted the clutch cable at the gearbox end but I am nearly running out of thread. All gears select easily when engine isn't running. Although it's a 500 the gearbox is a lightweight CP from a later 350. Thanks for any info in advance Mark.

[simon.holyfield]

Have you had a look at the splines on the clutch centre? Or perhaps the springs are poorly adjusted. I'd have the clutch cover off and check the pressure plate is lifting squarely and that the plates are not covered in goo. If you don't get anywhere with spring adjustment, strip the pressure plate, springs and clutch plates out which will allow you to have a look at the splines on the clutch centre. You can dress the splines with a file. This sort of thing will make the clutch drag and make the gears difficult to engage:

While you are on there, make sure the mainshaft nut is tight.

It sounds like the clutch is not lifting cleanly.

[mark.scott]

Hi Simon - Never done this before. Is it complicated or pretty straight forward and self explanatory ? It's not like a watch where you undo one screw and the whole thing flies apart. Is there a manual. Thanks Mark

[mark.scott]

Just downloaded a diagram - looks manageable.

[Dave.Barkshire]

Also, if the clutch plates have had oil on them then they become sticky which means that going into first from neutral is crunchy. You can easily wash the plates in petrol and make them clean. Also, if the gearbox is overfilled with anything fluid enough to make its way along the shaft then the clutch plates will continue to become oily and sticky.

Getting to the plates and the clutch center is pretty much the same job and should take little time.
1. Remove the chrome plated clutch cover
2. Undo the nuts which tension the clutch springs (5, I think)
3. It should come apart in your hands then

Make sure the plates are not warped and give them a good clean and when you re-assemble try to put them back in the same order. If the clutch center is 'slotted' then you should be able to find a replacement.

When you reassemble make sure the clutch lifts evenly and you can alter this by tightening or loosening the spring nuts.

It's all very easy to inspect/clean and is unlikely to turn into a disaster.

[mark.scott]

Dave great thanks for the info I'll give it a go. Where did you get the diagram ? I've found some but none as clear as yours. Mark

[simon.holyfield]

There is a manual, written by Mr. CW Waller, the service manager at Ariel:

waller.jpg (6.06 KiB) Viewed 4467 times

Just have a look on eBay - there are three on there now. There are also some pictures on this page of my blog

http://ariel-square-four.blogspot.co.uk ... lutch.html

But as Dave says, its not particularly complicated. Just dive in, and we can help you with any problems you come across.

[mark.scott]

great many thanks

[Dave.Barkshire]

The image was from the Draganfly site. It's amazing how much useful stuff they have nowadays.

The club's online repository has parts books, sales catalogues, user guides etc. Also for 36 there is a road test and engine rebuild article. There is also a PDF of the Waller book and plenty more.

[mark.scott]

will I need the 'clutch screwdiver' or is thers another way? thanks