Clutch Cable Stretching ?

[rpgoerlich]

I had replaced the clutch last January on the Special. Adjusted the clutch back then and had to run out the adjuster on the perch almost ¾ the way out to make up the difference on the cable. It's been working great so far.
A bit cooler riding in this morning, I noticed My clutch lever had minimal freeplay. Driving home tonight I almost had ¼" or more of freeplay.

Think the cable is stretching once it's hot ? It looks good on both ends and I had lubed it up when I did the clutch change out.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Rick,

Okay, here's my theory! When the engine is cold, the friction/steel plates and pressure plates are all closer together, the star plate is very close to the throwout rod and so there's very little slack for the swivel lever under the adjusting cover, and so little slack in the cable.

When the bike warms up, the friction/steels heat up and expand, also there's oil being pumped in there. This could have the affect of slightly pushing the pressure plate deeper into the engine/clutch basket and this could position the star plate a little further away from the throwout clutch lever/rod, and so the lever can turn a little more allowing a little more slack in the cable!? Also the extra heat of the engine may also allow the main clutch housing to flex a little more away from the engine/clutch assembly?

I don't think there's enough heat getting to the actual clutch cable to cause it to stretch itself!? That's my theory...anybody else!?
T.C.

[rpgoerlich]

I was thinking it may be due to a possible aftermarket 30year old cable. Was going to get a new OEM cable and replace it.

I thought about installing the extra steel when I did the clutch change out but elected not to. It has new steels, frictions and springs. It has no slippage whatsoever and engages smoothly. I wonder now if it would have taken up the difference in the cable.

[petejw]

You could possibly find that a cpl of strands
have started to break resulting in the cable (stretching).
Good idea on getting a new one.

[TADracer]

I have had this happen with aftermarket cables after putting in new clutch springs as you have. And if your cable is 30 then it is inevitable.

In addition to what TC said above, after many years you can get some slop in the cable end that fits into the lever and also slop in the lever itself. Lubrication has alot to do with it. If you do not regularly lube your clutch cable it will stretch faster because of the greater lever pull required to move the cable through the sheath.

Also, try readjusting your clutch and then adjust your cable. Should be about 1/8" freeplay at the lever after adjustment. If you cannot get there with the adjuster then it is definately time for a new cable, especially with 30 years of stretch already in it.