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Hello
I have just acquired a TS250/1 .I was told that it has been standing for a long time.Although in relatively good condition and obviously previously loved,the bikes clutch is stuck.Advice on the best way to free this,without having to take apart would be greatly appreciated thank you,
Also today when I went into the garage,there was a small patch of black sticky oil from the exhaust joint at the bottom of the header pipe,I’m guessing the exhaust needs a decoke?? – How do you do that please.
You have probably guessed I am not to mechanically minded,but willing to have a go with the right support and advice.
thank you – Mike -
Hmmm i doubt there will be a useful way without taking off the clutch cover and stripping the clutch down and cleaning the plates with brake&clutch cleaner. it will be combo of old oil, weakened or rusty clutch stings and potentially corroded steel plates. honestly with some basic tools and cheap parts (MZ bits aint expensive) i know ost2rad do a refurb setup to do a complete clutch for your bike for £45 ish (59 euro)
http://www.ost2rad.com/Complete-offers-Sets/Repair-set-clutch-MZ–TS250–1–completely.html
Other things to consider is, if the bikes sat a long time it may need crank seals doing, and carb cleaned, tank drained, cleaned and fuel tap. 2 strokes don’t like being sat unused, its probably the worst thing for them, also check the points, charging system etc. I am sure other more knowledgable members will come along and correct any mistakes I’ve made in my reply. I’ve only ever owned 2 MZ,s but have rebuilt a few small jap strokers, and restored a few old bikes that have lain for years.. the issues to them are common from lying unused. first rule is always a thorough clean of fuelling system, and make sure you got compression and spark. It will save you endlessly chasing issues. Hope this is of some help to you.
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Hello Billy – thank you for your response,and useful advice.I’m going to drain tank and use cider vinegar to clean out the inside.The bike was running the first time I tried it,albeit very smokey,but it sounded mechanically as it should I think.I am going to remove fuel tap and clean also,then try some fresh fuel and see if she’ll start again.I guess I will take it from that point,at the moment I cant gauge what else may need sorting as I don’t think there is enough fuel in the tank.I should know more tomorrow or Thursday and keep you posted
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Hi Mike,
I would agree with the comments made by Billy above but you might try to free the clutch by this somewhat brutal but hopefully succesful manner:Push the front wheel of the bike up against a wall. Start the engine.
Push the forks down as far as possible and at the same time pull in the clutch and kick the gearbox into first.
The chances are that the engine will stall or alternatively you might have knocked the wall down but you might be lucky first time.
If it stalls try again as the shock will have jarred the plates slightly.
If you can get the bike into gear with the engine running just hang on and let the plates spin disengaged for a couple of minutes then stop the engine and try again. Hopefully engaging gear will be a bit easier but not necessarily perfect.
Riding the bike subsequently will hopefully clear the plates but if this fails then I am afraid that a clutch strip is the only option.The 250 MZ clutch is a magnificent piece of engineering which is almost bullet proof so don’t be concerned that you will damage it whilst trying to free it off.
Good luck
Tony -
Hello Tony & Bill
thanks for your response.Today I put some fresh fuel and the bike started fine (2 kicks with fuel tap on,but ignition off),then ignition on full choke – 1 kick – wahey!.not so easy to start when warn though ????
I warmed the engine whilst in neutral ,then with the bike on the centrestand and ensuring the rear wheel was clear,engaged the clutch lever and put it into second.The rear wheel spun around just as if the clutch was out,even though I had the lever all the way in.I then pressed the rear brake until the engine nearly stalled,released the brake and repeated several times.Unfortunatley this had no affect at all.
I then started the bike,rolled down the road and snuck it into second,with clutch lever in.The bike rode as if the clutch was out the whole time.I even went up a really steep hill under quite hard acceleration and the clutch did not slip or change in any way.
I have therefore come to the conclusion that the plates are pretty dam stuck!
I made an enquirey to the NZ shop about possible clutch plates replacements and how I might address this issue.Basically the man,who was very helpful and nice,kind of put me off as he said if you don’t know what your doing you can damage not only the clutch,but the end of the crank shaft??I obviously didn’t inspire much confidence,when I explained that I hadn’t done this before and did I need an extractor tool?
Anyway,rather disappointingly I feel for me(as I wanted to have a go,but realise I could potentially do a lot of damage)have arranged for the bike to be picked up and taken to a motorcycle mechanic – who is going to have a look at it – hmm.
I think I need to get this sorted perhaps,but then get a good factory workshop manual,the Haynes one I have is absolutely useless,so very vague and covers too many models for the likes of my ability.I think there will be plenty more fettling to do,which I would like to take on.
The short ride that I did have,was fantastic,these bikes are so light and you feel so very connected to the road.
Hoping that this will not venture into an open cheque to the mechanic,as he tells me all that is wrong.
I will if I have time try your suggestion against a wall – fingers crossed
Cheers,will keep everybody posted.I live in sunny Cornwall Ha ha,anybody near to me with an MZ?
MIKE-
Hi Mike.
You are missing out on the local Cornish section of the MZRC. One of us would, I am sure help you out with your troubles with the clutch and other problems that you might come up against with these bikes. We are a friendly bunch of riders who regularly ride out and meet up every month. Get in touch with Mike Lovegrove (Cornish section rep.)for more info, or phone me on 01726 812376. Cheers, Nigel T.
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I would go with Nigels idea of getting in touch with the local MZ Cornish section. As most modern bike mechanics don’t have the experience of dealing with older bikes, and the tools required aint silly expensive, and I’m sure if one of the members local to you offer to help they will probably have the required puller for the clutch. the rest of the job is just basic hand tools, so a decent screwdriver, socket and spanner set will be well up to the job. Don’t lose faith. and the best way to learn is to do it. just take photos at ever stage of the strip down. so you have a record of how it was set up and put together. compare that with diagrams in the workshop manual. and take your time, patience is key.
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Hello and thank you Nigel & Bill
The Bike went today to CMS in Plympton nr Plymouth.The guy there is called Mark,I have used him before(for different bikes).I spoke with him about the clutch issues and he told me that he rode a et250 MZ for years,although he hasn’t worked on one for quite sometime.
I’m commited now to let him have a look and the bike needs an MOT,so would have had to go at some point.
I think what I will do is to put a limit of how much I will spend,which is pretty easy because I don’t have much.Hopefully he can free the clutch and MOT the bike within my budget.
Once I get the bike back,then I can look at sorting out any other issues,I know the tank needs cleaning inside for example,probable carb clean,air filter plug etc.
I am genuinely moved by your support and I will contact you Nigel on the number you have given,at the moment I am working nightshifts,so my hours are quite unsociable.Is there a good time for you?
I seem to remember reading that there was a meet at Lostwithial every month,if so when the bikes up and roadworthy I will ride down.
Thank you again I feel that I have not started well with my MZ in as much as I want to do the work on her and it costs a whole lot less,but your support has made me more determined to address the next projects myself.
Cheers
Mike -
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