Clutch Retention Screw..in Or Out?

[uhoh7]

Shortly after I bought my 06 txt 300 I got the "solid clutch". You pull a little ways and get a hard stop. I called Dale, the importer and he instructed me the screw had come loose (the special hollow one in the center of the clutch) and instead of tightening, I should pull it out altogether. He was adamant there was no downside to this. So I did and never had a problem for years.

 

Then the motor was worked on and Adrian found the screw gone and replaced it. 

 

Last night I was way out and bang: hard clutch. Totally solid about 1/4 in. You can hear the hard stop on the screw inside the cover. I had to ride for several hours with no clutch.

 

Can't I just throw that bloody screw out? 

 

TXT Pro by unoh7, on Flickr

Edited June 9, 2016 by uhoh7

[anotherfive]

Hi yes you can  or locktite it in or when riding rev the bike up whilst pulling on lever. The bolt will wind itself back in - sorted.

[esuark]

i have looked at your photo`s and i must say the scenery is stunning you lucky so and so........

[uhoh7]

Hi yes you can  or locktite it in or when riding rev the bike up whilst pulling on lever. The bolt will wind itself back in - sorted.

Haha excellent tip.

 

Yeah, I was over 2 hours from the truck, evening coming on, and no clutch.

 

Willow Creek by unoh7, on Flickr

 

Amazingly, after 9 years of backcountry, and many engine issues, water pumps, O-rings, gears, it has never actually totally died. I've always been able to limp back, white oil or whatever, just nursing it. 

 

On this ride I was thinking: this thing is running great for 8 rides! 

 

Dollarhide by unoh7, on Flickr

 

I just hope that screw is still in one piece

[lineaway]

You won`t miss it, it`s just half a screw and a hassle anyway.

[crazybond700]

Never had any problem with it. Maybe its because you are more of a trail rider?

[zuendapp]

I had heard of this problem and asked a National Pro GasGas rider. His recommendation was to remove the screw before it hurt you bad ( Ouch )

 

When i gave the dealer this info, he had said he contacted the GasGas parts specialist and was told not to remove the screw??

 

I had my clutch apart several times and loctite the screw and have not had problems on my 2014.

 

 

Terry

USA

 

[robd0gg]

I have nothing regarding the screw, but agree with others, your riding locations are spectacular.   As a long time trail rider, but new to trials (06 280 TXT), how do you get the fuel range to get so far out?  does your bike have a larger fuel tank?  do you carry extra fuel in your pack?  just looking for options.

Edited June 11, 2016 by robd0gg

[biffsgasgas]

ive left my bolt out. im on the clutch alot so i dont worry about the pack pushing the top hat back. that would be my only concern. makes for an unpredictable clutch pull.

--Biff

[baldilocks]

Great to see you posting on here Jim. thanks that's a good explanation

[uhoh7]

Hi Jim,

 

Thanks for the explanation. And like everybody, I'm in great debt for your videos

 

For me, long distance trail riding in remote areas, I just can't have the clutch suddenly not engage and be blocked. I have to balance the damage with the screw out to damage shifting with no clutch. Not to mention my personal safety.

 

The screw came loose after about 10 rides in 2007 and Dale said: pull it. Never had a problem. Adrian fixed some bad gears for me and put it back in last summer. 20 rides and it came out. 

 

I suppose what I should really do is pull the side cover every 10 rides and check it. So, I think I will leave it out for now, but maybe next oil change when I'm not tired of working on it, I'll loctite it in.

 

TY so much for taking the time to post here

 

PS Have you personally seen motors damaged by not having it in, in the way you described? Not talking about the clutch behavior, but the increased wear on parts and wobble on a pro motor with screw out?

 

Baker Peak by unoh7, on Flickr

Edited June 15, 2016 by uhoh7