Stella clutch disaster

The original 2-stroke Genuine scooter and its 4-stroke manual and automatic offspring

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evilbean42
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Stella clutch disaster

Post by evilbean42 »

Saturday I was leaving work and when I twisted the shifter into gear my Stella 4T launched forward into a parked car smashing the front fender. I thought my clutch cable had broken, but upon inspecting it today found it to be intact. I tried to tighten the cable but still can't get the clutch to disengage. If I reach under the bike I can move the clutch arm by hand, if I twist it until it points towards the front of the bike the transmission still remains in gear, and it seems the only resistance on the arm is the external spring. The bike has less than 1500 miles on it, so I can't imagine I already wrecked the clutch. While this is my first shifty scooter I've been riding manual bikes and cars for over 15 years and I've never hurt a clutch before. Any ideas on what may have gone wrong?
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jimmbomb
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Post by jimmbomb »

Same thing happened to me on my 2010. Except it happened when I was shifting from first into second so there was no damage due to a crash. I will try to find the thread that I talked about what happened and what went wrong. At the top of the clutch shaft service to small piece with a square hole in it that pushes the clutch rod. That piece broke and it was only a $10 part and genuine fix it under warranty. He had to take it apart to find all the pieces it broke into the mechanic said. I will try to find the thread and I will post back.

Edit******
Here ya go


www.modernbuddy.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... ped+clutch.

Even listed the part number i believe... good luck.

****edit 2*****
Sorry but that thread doesnt list the part number.. must be another 1 somewheres..
But my symptoms were just like yours..
Cable is intact and can feel slight spring resistance. . But no clutch..
the problem part is internal. Some have even said that its an easy fix if your handy..
good luck.
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jimmbomb
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Post by jimmbomb »

J H
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evilbean42
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Post by evilbean42 »

Yes! That sounds exactly like what I have going on. I feel much better about this. Thank you so much. I'll report back when I know for sure, but it seems like this is not catastrophic. The fender situation is bad enough, I really didn't want to have to replace the clutch as well.
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BigDaddy SnakeOiler
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Post by BigDaddy SnakeOiler »

I guess you're not under warranty any more?
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evilbean42
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Post by evilbean42 »

Nope, no more warranty.
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Post by ArgonV »

I've got a 2013 4t with a hack that I bought in Dec. of 2014. I have 1400 miles so far on her so far, can I expect these kinds of failures?
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az_slynch
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Post by az_slynch »

If you need to replace parts, try getting Piaggio or DRT versions over the LML part. Fix it once and fughetaboutit.
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...

Seriously...I've lost count...

Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
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Nettar
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Post by Nettar »

I just had the same thing (minus the crash) happen to me. The part that broke was the clutch leveler. The part cost about $2.00. Installation was quite a lot more.
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Johnny O
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Post by Johnny O »

Where did you get the part from? Part# available?

It might be safe to assume this part is faulty due to bad casting or manufacturing process. Anyone suggest or agree with a proactive replacement at this point? I'd consider it if we are all seeing the problem. In which case I'll do a DIY post to avoid future confusion.

Any ideas?
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jimmbomb
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Post by jimmbomb »

Nettar wrote:I just had the same thing (minus the crash) happen to me. The part that broke was the clutch leveler. The part cost about $2.00. Installation was quite a lot more.
"Clutch leveler" ?
Id like to see a part number too and maybe a pic of the clutch leveler.
Thanks
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Johnny O
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Post by Johnny O »

After some thinking and looking at Page 108 of the service manual, I believe the part in question is the "inner lever" shown on figure D and E of the service manual pg 108. Can anyone confirm this?

I could see that this could be a wear item. Now the next question, if you want to replace it.....how do you know your replacement part is as strong or stronger than OEM, i.e. won't break after another 1,500 miles or so. I think the answer is you don't.

I'm also wondering if clutch cable adjustment somehow doesn't play a factor. I'd think guys with a racing clutch and spring pack would see more repeated heavier force on the part due to stronger clutch springs resulting in increased failure. Although I've never seen a race clutch for the 4T I'm sure someone else is running one. That begs another question, are there a bunch of 2012 4T's that might just have bad castings for their inner levers?

If anyone has some experience with this I'd love to know.
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Johnny O
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Post by Johnny O »

UPDATE,

Yea I'm guessing its part number 17 on jimmbomb's post above..sorry I didn't read back :oops:

Yea, like stated in that post, if you are out of warranty phase should be a pretty easy swap out.
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az_slynch
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Post by az_slynch »

Heavy Duty:

http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/produ ... h_83808000

I bought two recently for my bikes. After reading of all the failed ones, I wanted a tougher one! Also got one of these to replace the pressure plate and pusher pin:

http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/produ ... p_50040000

Heavy Duty Clutch Cables:

http://www.scooterwest.com/items/?_page ... able-/9096
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...

Seriously...I've lost count...

Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
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Johnny O
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Post by Johnny O »

Thanks! I think that covers it!
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jimmbomb
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Post by jimmbomb »

Az.... will those parts work on the Stellas? 2 and 4t's?
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az_slynch
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Post by az_slynch »

jimmbomb wrote:Az.... will those parts work on the Stellas? 2 and 4t's?
Jim,

I bought these bits for my 4T. I don't see any real issue in using them. I would recommend checking the clutch basket before buying the ball bearing pressure plate, though. I know some of the clutch baskets have a flat spot in the pressure plate seat; SIP plate doesn't have a cutout for the flat spot. Fits a 2T Stella 7-spring clutch just fine, though!
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...

Seriously...I've lost count...

Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
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BigDaddy SnakeOiler
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Post by BigDaddy SnakeOiler »

EBean, did you fix this yourself, or take it to Philly Scooters?
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