Hi folks I am new to this site as I am in the biking world. I have recently purchased a 1982 Montesa MH349 due to a mid life crisis (so the wife says)and I am really enjoying myself and been having a great time in the mud,streams and rocky places. Unfortunately a problem seems to have reared its head whereby I am having problems starting the bike and was wondering if anyone can help me. When kicking over the engine only turns every 4th kick and would seem not to be engaging on the other 3. I thought at first the kick lever was turning on the spline but this is not the case. Not being all that mechanically minded I started to strip it down to see if there was anything obvious but soon realised that the problem is inside the crankcase and I went no further

Does anyone know what the problem could be and where parts could be sourced, also do you know of any motorcycle mechanics near Edinburgh/Glasgow that could carry out this work

Thanks folks

RossF

"When kicking over the engine only turns every 4th kick and would seem not to be engaging on the other 3. Thanks folks"

From what you have described it appears that the clutch is slipping. The clutch has to be fully engaged to turn the crankshaft. First make sure that the clutch cable has not been damaged (no kinks, bends, etc.) and that the clutch lever, on top of the left hand side case, returns fully when the clutch lever on the handlebar is released. If the problem remains remove the left hand side case and check the condition of the clutch plates. With the side case removed you should be able to see if the clutch is slipping when engaging the kick start lever.

"When kicking over the engine only turns every 4th kick and would seem not to be engaging on the other 3. Thanks folks"

From what you have described it appears that the clutch is slipping. The clutch has to be fully engaged to turn the crankshaft. First make sure that the clutch cable has not been damaged (no kinks, bends, etc.) and that the clutch lever, on top of the left hand side case, returns fully when the clutch lever on the handlebar is released. If the problem remains remove the left hand side case and check the condition of the clutch plates. With the side case removed you should be able to see if the clutch is slipping when engaging the kick start lever.

Agreen but before you get drastic pulling things apart have you changed the oil in the clutch as it is sensative to the type of oil used in the clutch.

Agreen but before you get drastic pulling things apart have you changed the oil in the clutch as it is sensative to the type of oil used in the clutch.

Thanks guys I never thought about this, I`m away all week but will look at this at the weekend and let you know

"When kicking over the engine only turns every 4th kick and would seem not to be engaging on the other 3. Thanks folks"

From what you have described it appears that the clutch is slipping. The clutch has to be fully engaged to turn the crankshaft. First make sure that the clutch cable has not been damaged (no kinks, bends, etc.) and that the clutch lever, on top of the left hand side case, returns fully when the clutch lever on the handlebar is released. If the problem remains remove the left hand side case and check the condition of the clutch plates. With the side case removed you should be able to see if the clutch is slipping when engaging the kick start lever.

Thanks guys, I`m away all week but will look at this on the weekend and let you know

Thanks guys, I`m away all week but will look at this on the weekend and let you know

Have now adjusted the clutch to enable the lever to return fully and changed the clutch oil (Castrol ATF) and this seems to have solved the problem with the kickstart. Bike now starting 1st kick. Seems to slip a bit in top gear and a bit of creep whilst stopped with clutch engaged but from reading various forums this would appear to be normal. Thanks again guys

RossF

Have now adjusted the clutch to enable the lever to return fully and changed the clutch oil (Castrol ATF) and this seems to have solved the problem with the kickstart. Bike now starting 1st kick. Seems to slip a bit in top gear and a bit of creep whilst stopped with clutch engaged but from reading various forums this would appear to be normal. Thanks again guys

RossF

I recently fitted a new replacement clutch in my MH349 and after 2 trials its so bad the engine could not be started the clutch slipped in in 2nd gear upward. I have refitted the origional and the bike will now start and the clutch just slipps when the bike is gunned in 5th and 6th.

I have Emailed the supplier and are waiting for a response but for