Troubles getting into gear

[lyrinosis]

My 89 JLX 2door (312K km) has been having some trouble getting into gear. When stopped in traffic and hot, it will not go into any gear without shutting off the engine. If I have been driving on the highway, or in the rain, it will shift nicely. The clutch works well when I can shift and no slipping!

I have tightened the clutch cable at the lever arm but no real difference. Could it be a bad cable? bad clutch?

[kelikran]

This seems to be the week for clutch problems, look back one page and you can read about similar problems by pudgedawg and jlx1993. It sounds to me like your clutch is on its last legs, release (also called throwout)bearing might be getting worn out. If you are getting proper travel right at the clutch housing, then the problem is internal to the clutch. If you aren't getting the proper action there, then look to your cable/pedal adjustments, etc. But, my best guess is, if this clutch has never been changed, it's probably due. Good luck.

[lyrinosis]

The pedal is totally our of whack. Im right at the floor and there is about an inch of travel before the clutch engages. I checked out the other threads and I have ordered a clutch cable just to be sure. If that fixes it, then everything is great.

[Rhinoman]

Check the pedal assembly itself. Its not unknown for them to crack, that gives similar symptoms to what you are experiencing - until it snaps off completely. Also check the bulkhead where the cable goes through, that can crack too.

[jtgh]

here is a zerox scan

zipped jpgs.
not too clear but good enough

[jtgh]

the cable can rust inside and be very tempermental .
some buy a new one.
others take it out and lube it the hard old fashioned way.
others , buy a cable luber kit for an old harley and the special can-o-lube spray.
attach nozzle straw to cable end clamp kit and the push button on can
this forces lube into the cable under high pressure. ( sold at all MC stores)

that cat , is skinable , many ways. heheheh, sorry Garfield.

[jtgh]

I will measure the full stroke , distance on my kick .

lever end , distance moved, clutch in and out. Not in the manual and is a needed parameter.

cheers.
more later.

My guess is 1 inch. pedal moves 5 inche, the ration is 5:1 and the lever moves 1 inch.
but I will prove it.

[jtgh]

i went out and had wife push the clutch pedal.
the lever moves exactly 1 inch,
i have 1/2 free play.

if it move 1 inch , and grinds or will not allow you to shift then the cutch is in fact bad.
there 1 test, fast answer.

if linkage binds that is a horse of a different color.

[jtgh]

per my attachment free play can be 1.1" or 25mm and be RIGHT ON OEM SPEC!

[Rhinoman]

Do you mean free play on the pedal? My FSM states 1mm/40thou of play at the gearbox end. I have found that it can get a bit temperamental if its not set up just right.