I have pulled the fully operational clutch on the trusty BSA out and reassembled it and it is not working properly. All the plates are in right. When I operate the handlebar lever with the chain case off I can see that the plates seperate for 80 per cent of the clutch case but 20 per cent does not budge. On reading on the forum I suspected the central spring so purchased a new one which is probably of Indian heritage and this has not helped.
Any ideas?
John

Hi John...Take out the last two plates in the clutch..1 steel and 1 fibre...This won't affect the operation of the clutch but allows more room for the plates to separate...

Check the fibre plate thickness...These can often be the cause of the problem as many pattern plates are too thick, thus reducing free space...Original plates are .093" thick....

Ensure the clutch operating arm on the kick start end of the gearbox is set correctly...When you pull in the handlebar lever fully the arm on the gearbox should lie at 90 degrees to the axis of the pushrod...This is the point of maximum 'lift'....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Much appreciated Ian, I was hoping someone like yourself with vaste knowledge of the workings of these machines would respond.
best regards
John

I put new plates and new corks in my B31 clutch 4 spring type I am also having trouble with clutch drag could I remove 1 steel 1 fibre plate the same as a singe spring M20 clutch thanks roger

email (option): roger.beck@node6.com

Hi Roger...Can't say I've ever tried that but I suspect not..Do you mean you have fitted new cork inserts to the plates?....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Doesn't your B31 have a 6 spring clutch? Mine has a 6 spring clutch and I had the same problem even with new plate and springs fitted. Finally I realised that the clutch basket itself also acts as a clutch plate and once I had put new inserts in the clutch basket problems were solved.

Henk

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

It could be a 'Triumph' type 4 spring clutch..Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

ian it is a 4 spring clutch and the clutch basket with new corks new springs new plates I even overfilled the primary chain case left it in for a while kicking it over with the clutch plates open thinking that the corks needed soaking

email (option): roger.beck@node6.com

Hi Roger...Check that the clutch operating arm is set correctly...When the clutch lever is pulled fully in the arm should lie at 90 degrees to the axis of the pushrod and parallel to the gearbox outer cover joint..

When that is right pull the clutch in and slowly turn the box over with the kickstart...Check whilst doing this that the clutch pressure plate is lifting evenly and running true...

Frequently you will have to set the four spring adjusters differently to each other to achieve this..Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Ahhh!!! all those bloody screws again thank Ian roger

email (option): roger.beck@node6.com

I had similar problems after fitting a 4 spring clutch. Like you I oiled the plates as it is a wet clutch, the solution was to dismantle the clutch clean all the plates in petrol and re assemble. to date (18000 miles) all OK. Also do not overfill the chaincase.

Cheers Pat