Ironhead Only 4th gear not engaging?

[Hardtail28]

Sungod, I'm not quite sure what you mean? It originally happened while going at a fast throttle in 4th. Now, I put it in 4th and the hard-to-describe sound happens as soon as I throttle.. just a kind of loose "tinny" tapping.. tat tat tat tat tat. Monte03, I don't have funds like that. And ferrous head! Good to hear from you. It is all of what you said, you got it all correct. By gear box, your referring to transmission or slipping clutch?

[IronMick]

Originally Posted by Hardtail28

... Now, I put it in 4th and the hard-to-describe sound happens as soon as I throttle.. just a kind of loose "tinny" tapping.. tat tat tat tat tat...

This sounds like shifting into 4th when you should be staying in 3rd because RPMs are too low for 4th. 4th is only for higher speed hiway riding.

[Hardtail28]

I don't believe that's it..it may be but, I have shifted like that without problems since I've had my bike (1.5 years) and I've also tried on the last few rides to shift it how you should,( at a normal rpm for shifting into fourth and also give a bit more rpm on 3rd before shifting into fourth and it's all the same.. it gets in and out of 4th without problem/hesitation but just revs up and does not accel. Also it makes that "tat tat tat tat" sound.

[Ferrous Head]

Yeah, still thinking two separate problems.

The fact that it ONLY happens once you shift into 4th gear points to a gearbox problem.

The revving but no accelerating sounds like a clutch problem.

So maybe, two separate problems.

[joe s]

Take a deep breath @hardtail28 and try to describe it better. Could this just be pinging or knocking under load because RPMs are too low in 4th? Does the motor rpm actually increase or does it just get louder? Maybe you can buy a cheap temporary tachometer and tell us what that does in 3rd and 4th on your hill? https://smile.amazon.com/Maintenance.../dp/B07PMJH7QV

[Hardtail28]

I would be willing to bet it is not 2 different problems as, I ride every day and really look after my bike the ABSOLUTE best that I can.. I don't think 2 different problems not so related just suddenly sprung up.. I think it's one or the other. To Joe, thatvis a really good question.. I do have a cheap digital tach that just winds a sensing wire around the sparkplug wire.. I will find out tomorrow if it is actually reving or just making a sound. But, I do, as of tonight at midnight, believe that it is reving. But it is not only making that sound when rpms are low.. it only occurs when I turn the throttle a little or a lot. The engine gets like a "hollow" feel and sort of drops in tone a bit. I will take it out tomorrow with the tach. And really try and better describe what all is taking place. Thank you everyone, I'm repetitive in saying it, but I'm really thankful for all the help.

[jeffro57]

Newsflash... 2 separate problem DO pop up, I cant count the number of times it has happened, on various items, dont write that possibility off so quickly

[Hardtail28]

Let me reiterate.. I am praying it not 2 different problems

[doodah man]

Originally Posted by Hardtail28

…starting at about 5mph already in 3rd and already at steep point...

This is what made me think you are not winding your gears out enough.

[Ferrous Head]

I did take it up a steep hill down the street but, starting at about 5mph already in 3rd and already at steep point.. accelerated swiftly till the point of bogging down,

OK - missed this post somehow.

I have to think you meant 50 mph, not 5 mph.

No one tries to accelerate up a hill in 3rd from 5 mph.