Gearbox problem

Just wondered if any one had struck this problem before. I can change up through the gears nicely on my 72 Commando, but when I go to change down I hit nuetral at each change. The only way to find a gear is to rev the engine between each change or as I'm slowing right down (ie coming to a corner or stop sign) for some reason I am then able to change down through the gears. Is it time for a rebuild?

regards, Neil

Clutch adjustment first always start cheap work expensive later.
When my 72 combat gets really hot like sitting in traffic for extended times it starts to grab
I have to stall the bike or it will pull me into the car in front of me or bike.
Adjusting the clutch takes care of that.
You should be able to hit all gears up and solidly down by pulling in the clutch and selecting same.
If the clutch is of no help after adjusting then outside cover needs to come off and inspect the ratcheting
mechanism.
Hope I understood what you were asking.
Marshal

Thanks for the reply Marshall, the clutch is correctly adjusted. I can change up and down through the gears if the bike is not running. I hit nuetral when riding the bike as I change down through each gear from fourth to first.

regards. Neil

Neil NICOLAO said:

Just wondered if any one had struck this problem before. I can change up through the gears nicely on my 72 Commando, but when I go to change down I hit nuetral at each change. The only way to find a gear is to rev the engine between each change or as I'm slowing right down (ie coming to a corner or stop sign) for some reason I am then able to change down through the gears. Is it time for a rebuild?

regards, Neil

Click to expand...

Replace or adjust the bends on the rachet spring...

I agree with Neil, easy to replace and probably not too expensive if you don't want to bend.

Ben

Check your gearbox fluid. Empty it out in something clean and look for bronze. There will always be a trace but if there is a butt load you will have to make a decision.

I have filled the gearbox 3/4 full with mineral spirits and flushed it out with a quick run through the gears on the centerstand. I then let in drip out and fill the gearbox with fluid of choice (my choice is a good dinosaur 80/90) again 3/4 full to feed all bushing, I do not want to count on the splashing effect of normal fluid level to do this. Run through the gears again then I then open the level screw and let it drain to the proper level.
If you are not ready for the full rebuild then this may improve your functionality till fall.

I would also clean the clutch just because it may seem to be free once stopped, a plate or two could stick under going down the road conditions. This will give you an opportunity to check out the clutch center not yet mentioned.

Just trying to cover the bases.