Hello,

I have used this forum for a while but this is my first question. My wifes 2003 250EX clutch is NOT slipping. When I select 1st gear it pulls while in idle and dies if I don't get right on the gas. It will not idle in any gear. We have not adjusted the idle and the ATV is all stock. I have turned the screw on the clutch counter clockwise and the back a quarter turn per the manual but this did nothing. Should I turn the screw clockwise? If my clutch is shot how hard is it to replace on these? Has anyone else had this problem.

Thanks so much!

 

I doubt that this is a clutch problem at all. When it won't idle and you can't keep it running without babying the throtle, that is most likely a clogged idle jet (or less likely, a leak in the air intake system).

For a quick fix turn the idle up a little (see your owner's manual), but not so much that the quad takes off by itself as soon as you shift into 1st gear. Then get that carb cleaned, and pay particular attention to the idle jet.

I bet it runs better with the choke on all the time...right????

 

Does this sound familiar??? http://forums.atvconnection.co...atid/8/threadid/526966

 

Hello Reconranger,

The ATV idles fine, what I meant to say is that the clutch will not slip. When you shift into first gear the clutch engages and it dies. If i put into first while it is not running the clutch is locked hard enough to spin the motor over if we turn the rear wheels. have you ever installed a clutch or heard of this problem?

Thanks

 

Even with a perfect clutch, the wheels will turn the engine over...that is what engine braking is.

Turning the adjuster clockwise increases play, and turning it counterclockwise decreases play. But, sounds more like the centrifugal clutch is shot???

 

Thats what I was thinking. have you changed one before? I just spoke with the tech at Honda and he said I could do it myself but if he does its $250. Maybe I should get the Clymer manual and go for it. I just didnt want to get in there and something else be wrong.

 

Been fixin for long time. Definetely centrifugal clutch. You may have broken shoe weight springs. Maybe just spring replacement. You can do it yourself, price quoted not bad. I'd charge more.

 

I bought the Clymer today on e-bay so I am getting ready. The tech said you have to set the ATV back on its end and pull the front cover off. Do I need to buy a new gasket if I pull it off? Any special tools needed? Reason they are cheap out here is because its North Texas....we have a Honda shop every 10 miles.
Thanks for the tip on the spring, I will look at that first.

 

How do you compress the centrifugal clutch to change the springs without the Honda tool

 

You would have been better starting a new thread, most of the above sounds like a load of old pony.

I have a hand press, so just squash the convex spring plate flat in the centre and the circlips can be flicked off, they are dead easy to lose. I guess if you haven't a press, you may be able to do it in a vice, or with a piece of plate just bigger than the hole in the convex spring plate, with a bolt through it and the splined centre. It doesn't take a lot of pressure to flatten the spring plate enough to loosen the circlips.