Clutch Problems

Rob H

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Having some problems with the clutch (5 ear lightning type) and grateful for any tips or thoughts

Major problem is snatching and very harsh engagement of the clutch from time to time, generally when the engine is cold or warm, I understand that harsh engagement can be a characteristic but sometimes is so fierce it feels like it could snap the chain and can be potentially dangerous when leaving a junction or in slow moving traffic. The clutch also seems to slip excessively sometimes when the engine is hot.

In addition to this there is a lot of mechanical noise when the clutch is rotated (turning back wheel when in gear and clutch disengaged).

I took off the clutch cover and found the following:

The noise is caused by - When the clutch is disengaged the outer face plate is not rotating in a flat plane parallel to the friction plate but seems to be warped a little with one point catching on the friction plate each rotation and rattling this against the clutch drum. Either the plate is twisted or is not being lifted evenly?

There was also a little oil in the bottom of the clutch housing (guessing from the primary drive case) and also a black sticky thick sludge inside the case assume this is the friction material dust mixing with the oil. Have not dismantled it yet so don't know if the oil has found it's way onto the friction plate or into the drum as yet

Perhaps this is why the clutched snatches extremely fierce especially when cold.

Grateful for any comments

 
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