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View Full Version : Question about auto clutches



toadson
06-21-2009, 01:48 AM
Alright, so this question is actually related to my Suzuki LT230 (four-wheeler), but I think it applies to most anything with an automatic clutch. The problem I am having with the 230 is this- First of all, there are five gears, and you shift all down to go through the gears. Lets say I shift out of neutral (shifting down on the lever), and hold the shift lever down after I have shifted. The clutch actually doesn't engage until I let off of the shifter. Do all auto clutches work this way? Each gear is like this- if I hold down on the shifter when upshifting, the clutch doesn't engage. The same also applies when downshifting- if I hold up on the shifter, the clutch doesn't engage. I'm assuming all auto clutches act this way, but it is giving me a problem.

On my 230, sometimes when I downshift, the shifter will actually get stuck in the neutral position, until it randomly pops back into gear. It happens randomly on both downshifting and upshifting. It gets really annoying when I want to downshift into a lower gear to climb a hill, only to have the thing act like it is in neutral for a few seconds, then BAM!- the shifter returns to its normal spot and the clutch engages.

I hope this actually makes some sense, but I thought this would be a good place to ask about the problem since many three wheelers have automatic clutches. I'd really like to get this issue sorted out, as it can be dangerous if you forget about it and try to go up a hill. I've had a hard time searching for a solution, because I can't think of any terms that relate to my issue. Thanks for any help!

tapper190
06-21-2009, 07:14 AM
Hi and welcome to the boards. Yes , you are correct that when you hold the shifter up or down the clutch is engaged. If your shifter is sticking, I would think that the return spring is getting weak or even broken. I'm not sure how the Suzuki works, but it should be close to the same way as the Honda. Hope this helps.
Tapper