1982 ATC70 Shifting problems

[dcreel]

The 70 we recently bought runs great but it seems to have problems downshifting. Upshifting seems to work correctly. It will downshift maybe 5 out of 10 tries.. Finding neutral from 1st sometimes takes 5 to 10 tries and that is usually using my hand. I thought it had to be the shift drum stopper that seems to be the culprit on so many other 70's. Got it apart and the stopper is fine. Looks as good as the new one I have. We replaced it anyways and it still won't shift. With it all taken apart and upshifting by hand it will end up like the pic below. The 2 arrows point to 2 rub marks inside the case from the gearshift spindle. The wife and I think the gearshift spindle little spring (14) seems to be wore out and needs replacement.. I don't know though.





I broke a stud off in the head, but I seem to do this with every cylinder head stud I touch.. lol I used ample amounts of penetrating fluid, and heat..



This is what it looks like in neutral.



Is it normal to have to clearance the frame to clear the clutch cover? Is there another way to get the clearance I need? I loosened the motor mounts and it did nothing..



Any help would be appreciated. The 2 rub marks inside the case tell me that the gearshift spindle is moving too much contacting the case, but why? Is the small spring allowing it too much movement?

[shortline10]

Your prob missing one of the #8 pins in the diagram . Those are what catch the drum to shift it .

[atc007]

I would agree with Mike. Replacing the spring is a good idea. There should be no rub marks. I know on the liquid R's ,I've seen these just tweaked a little,and they will do exactly what you are getting. Is something tweaked or bent? Now this post should be an example on how to post a question !! Great post ! And I have never personally messed with a 70 to know if that is normal on the frame,,,but I am certainly going to guess , NO !! Honda would not build it that way. We know about the frames being weak,,but to be wrenched back there? Good one. I'm sure someone with 70 experience will chime in. Keep us posted.

[Thorpe]

You need a dremel... Cut down the side of those exhaust stud nuts, and never have another broken exhaust stud again!