gear slipping

[littlewing78]

I went out riding tonight and my gears started slipping.  At first it slipped out in 4th and I popped it right back in. Only worked for a little bit.
I slowed way down and had a hard time getting it to downshift.   I finally just had to stop and get it into first.  From there I could shift from first to second but anything after that wouldn't stay.  I could hold the shifter up and it would stay in 3rd but only if I held it.  I had to completely stop every time I needed to down shift. I had just changed the oil so I know that was good.  My clutch plates are relatively new too. Please help.  I have a desert race this weekend I was hoping to make.  Thanks.

[littlewing78]

I am riding a 99 KX 500 by the way.  Thanks

[Friar-Tuck]

I'm sorry littleW the only way I know to check the shift drum, detant (starfish looking thing) and pin (holds shift drum and starfish in place) is to remove the clutch.
   What it sounds like to me is the bolt that holds the detent may have worked its way out and is not holding the shift drum in place after you select a gear.
  Maybe someone else has an Idea...
  Tuck\o/

[littlewing78]

That sounds better than I was expecting.

[Polar-Bus]

Is there any "return" spring action when you move the shift lever ?

[littlewing78]

I just opened up the clutch side and here is the first thing I see.  Now I need to figure out where that went.

[littlewing78]

Okay I see where the spring goes.  I have one ordered along with a new gasket.  Now I just hope I can find the other part of the spring.

[Polar-Bus]

Okay I see where the spring goes.  I have one ordered along with a new gasket.  Now I just hope I can find the other part of the spring.

Obviously drain your trans oil, into an empty pan, run a magnet in the drained oil. You might get lucky and the broken spring piece might exit with the draining oil.

[Motorrad]

Okay I see where the spring goes.  I have one ordered along with a new gasket.  Now I just hope I can find the other part of the spring.

Obviously drain your trans oil, into an empty pan, run a magnet in the drained oil. You might get lucky and the broken spring piece might exit with the draining oil.

If not... CHEAP CHEAP mineral spirits makes a good flush....

[1989kawasaki]

could you tell me what it says on the cheap mineral sprits bottle? (what brand)
cause i need to flush out my honda

[sandblaster]

I have used diesel for flushing and it seems to work good and at what, $4.00 per gallon USD?

[Polar-Bus]

Okay I see where the spring goes.  I have one ordered along with a new gasket.  Now I just hope I can find the other part of the spring.

Obviously drain your trans oil, into an empty pan, run a magnet in the drained oil. You might get lucky and the broken spring piece might exit with the draining oil.

If not... CHEAP CHEAP mineral spirits makes a good flush....

Ahhhhh  good tip, I didn't think of a flush. Back in the 70's we used to mix 50/50 oil and kerosene to wash the sludge buildup from the inside of auto engines.

[Friar-Tuck]

I have used diesel in the past with good results also. 
   Make sure you have large enough containers to catch the stuff. 
  The mineral spirits will come in different "Brands" but it's basically the same stuff.
 Don't worry about the brand, Ace, Home Depot etc.   
Tuck\o/

[littlewing78]

So how do I do the flush? Just put my clutch cover back on and fill and drain it?

[Friar-Tuck]

 I would get some bottles like from gear oil, or a cap you can add some hose to. Use a funnel to fill the bottles.
   Stand the bike up an start flushing, From as near the top as you can.
  Tuck\o/