not shifting after rebuild!!

quepasa69

New Member
Oct 4, 2010
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Rebuilt an 88 blaster. This is the second blaster motor ive rebuilt. Had bottom end all apart. Just got it all together. It seemed to shift fine on the bench before I put the cases together. I watched ken oconners videos and had a clymer manual and took my time to make sure everything was just right. Started it up and runs great. It sits in neutral and I can feel it try to go in 1st, second, possibly third, but it goes no where. Feels like its stuck in neutral or the gears don't grab. Could it be clutch adjustment? Ive never adjusted a clutch before but pretty sure it went together correctly. Not sure where to start.
 
I screwed in the clutch adjustment screw next to the lever as far as it would go and I got it to start to roll forward. Its definately in gear. Wondering if the adjustment nut in the centrr of the clutch is where my problem lies?
 
On his video he shows how to adjust the clutch so that when the clutch actuator is has no more free play it should be aligned with the mark on the cases.
 
by adjusting the rod the whole way in you essentially are holding the pressure plate out, allowing the clutch to slip.

rod adjustment.........
back the rod off a turn or 2,
disconnect the cable, either end will work,
keep the pointer of the actuator on the notch on the case before, during and after the adjustment, a helper to do that works best (notch on case is like a 1" long raised portion, located under the carb bowl)
adjust the rod in until it just touches the other rod, it may take a few tries to get the feel of it just touching, you'll feel it get tight/harder to turn.
then back it off 1/2 a turn. hold the rod in that position while tightening the jamb nut, < brake clean then loctite the nut before tightening it.
 
shut off the motor. put it in 1st and try to roll it... if it feels like there is friction when pushing it, then its most likley clutch. if it just rolls normally and without any fricton or added stress, its probs the tranny.
 
So I pulled it back apart. Made the adjustment to the nut on the clutch, but didn't adjust it very far. I noticed the clutch basket is loose from the gear. I can move it at least 1/2" back and forth before the gear moves. What should I do about this? I think I better correct this before it causes a problem.
 
That's the rubber dampeners between the gear and basket. It may be getting to the point of needing replacing, but doesn't sound that bad.
How were the "fingers" on the basket? If they were grooved you should take care of that also. IIRC, Ken has a vid on how to file the fingers correctly. Grooves on the fingers give erratic clutch operation/sticking.
 
So I pulled it back apart. Made the adjustment to the nut on the clutch, but didn't adjust it very far. I noticed the clutch basket is loose from the gear. I can move it at least 1/2" back and forth before the gear moves. What should I do about this? I think I better correct this before it causes a problem.

thats alot of play, and may be ready to "come undone" = major mess.
no way should those rivets allow a 1/2" of play, and you may have already sheared 1 or more to allow that much play.
i suggest you replace that basket with a "known good" used one, or aftermarket basket....ASAP !