1998 Big Bear 350 4x4 do I need a new clutch?

[RI Deer Hunter]

Hi Guys, I just got a new to me 98 Big bear 350 4x4 and it needed a starter clutch (one way bearing) so I replaced that. Got it running and painted up. Motor seems to run great but it's a dog getting started and don't want to go up hill without lots of down shifting. If on pavement with wheel turned it doesn't even want to take off. Might I need a new clutch?Thanks for help!

[RI Deer Hunter]

Question when replacing the clutch do I replace the carrier assembly or the pressure plates??

[Frank Angerano]

Most likely it's due for a change based on the year and what sounds like is happening. I changed mine because I felt the same type of thing. A little bit of slipping that I had as well. Plus it's a 2000 figured it can't hurt.

I was very happy afterward. The bike grabbed much better and up/down hill were 100% better.  As far as what to change I only changed plates and springs. 

[RI Deer Hunter]

Thanks Frank. I just check the compression on the piston and more bad news: It is only at around 40+ pounds I'm wondering what to do.

 

[Frank Angerano]

 Well let's start with any gasket leaks first. I.e. Head gasket, base head gasket etc.  Maybe a valve issue not likely but have to look. If all checks out well then a new piston and rings are in order. At this point I'm sure you are capable of changing them and with the support of this site it will work out.  Even if the cylinder is not in the best shape a piston/rings will last a long time. But befor you order any new parts it's important to see what that cylinder head looks like. 

[davefrombc]

If  your  compression is down  around 40  PSI  then  there  may be  nothing  wrong with the clutch. . The  engine isn't producing the  power necessary  for it to work  properly. Check the  valves and gaskets  first  as  Frank mentioned.  Bring  the   motor  up to  specs  and then  see  if  you  still  have clutch  problems.

[Frank Angerano]

Agreed.  Quick question what made you check compression ? 

[RI Deer Hunter]

On ‎7‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 10:07 PM, Frank Angeranno said:

Agreed.  Quick question what made you check compression ? 

I had very little power going up hills and taking off. But I used a better compression tester and found out it's really 90 so that's better but not good. So I'm trying to adjust the valves to see if that's the problem my first attempt at adjusting valves!! My biggest problem is finding out where TDC Top Dead Center is on the compression stroke. Any helpful hints? I see 2 marks on the fly wheel one is a line with a F over it and a few degrees past that is a plane line. Which do I use? Because I tried both and now the valves are much louder. So I'm not sure if I'm on the right stroke?

[davefrombc]

Bring the piston up to  TDC on compression. Watch the valves  as you  do  it. When  it  is  TDC  compression,  both  valves will be  closed. If  you take the  spark  plug  out  you  should be able to  see  into the  cylinder  to  confirm  when  the piston is  at  the top.  If  you  can't  see the  piston , you  can   use a  dowel   or even  a  pencil  to  feel  for the  piston  reaching the  top..   Be  sure to  turn the motor  over  slowly  by  hand.  You  don't  want to  break  off  the  dowel  or  pencil  in the  cylinder.When  you see (or feel)  the  piston  at  TDC  then  you  can  look to  see  what  line  most closely  lines  up  with   whatever  indicator  there may be.   The  piston doesn't have to  be  exactly  at  TDC  to set the  valves , but  it  must be  close enough  that  both  valves  are closed,  and  not    beginning  to  open ...  There   are  a few  degrees  rotation after the  intake valves have closed  and  before the exhaust  valves  begin to  open.

[RI Deer Hunter]

OK, Dave thanks so much for your advice I was able to get them adjusted and it helped a little bit with the compression but I didn't like the lack of power so I sold it and ended up buying a Kawasaki Bayou 400. Much MUCH better driving machine tons more power.