Shifting Problems - Shift shaft wont return??

[lt250racer]

My buddy Blaster250 is building an 85 lt250r & is almost complete.
He took it out for the first ride & he says that when he shifts from neutral to first, the shift shaft does not return....back up to its normal spot.

He has stated that it does not return in all gears. I would have to think that this shift shaft is connected to some kind of return spring....
I know this will be an easy fix, however I do not have my manual or any physical references with me in wisconsin.

What could be causing this, & how do we fix it?

[jsmstorm]

Yes there is a return spring on the shift shaft itself I would check that out the only other springs are on the shift drum and shift forks and I would think he would have other issues if one of those were fubar

[gogoquadzilla]

probably #25 there. happened to me too.

[jsmstorm]

yup that would be the son of a bitch... May want to check that plastic spacer out while youre in there too

[Blaster250]

Thanks for posting this up for me, I have been busy as hell.
Is that spring on the outside of the cases or inside? I really hope its an easy fix because I just got the damn thing together.

[fulltiltrider]

Im not sure on Lt's but, it should be located behind the clutch basket. Easy fix. Dont even have to drain the oil. turn off your gas and plug up your breather hose. Prop it up on its side and take the cover off.

[jsmstorm]

just pull the clutch cover off and slide out the shaft its right there on the shaft cant miss it

[Paulie B]

That's also a sign that it's bent.

[timbre]

Don't forget that you have to remove the clutch basket as well. I had to do this in the sand last year. Actually broke the shift shaft where it connects to the gears. Found all the pieces and welded it back together to make the rest of the trip happen.

[lt250racer]

Thanks for all the replys, Easy fix...
I have a spare straight shift shaft too!