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New clutch plates are thicker

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1949 Inter clutch

As my original clutch plates were in a poor condition I purchased a replacement set from the NOC. They looked good and I proceeded to fit them. I was advised that the friction plates were slightly thicker. The result was I could only fit 4 friction plates instead of 5, and 5 plain plates instead of 6 as I ran out of clutch hub space.

The clutch currently has the steel end plate and uses the mushroom at the end of the push rod, the clutch hub also has the circlip facility.

Will the clutch operate satisfactorily with just 4 friction plates?,

I presume I will have to alter the clutch pushrod length. The clutch springs are slightly longer than the originals. Alternatively should I fit a later aluminium end plate and use a straight pushrod to get my adjustment and to compensate for the missing plates

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I have the same prob on my '55 ES2, Robert, so I'll be interested in the answers. I have to say though, that I have noticed no probs with it.

George

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I have fitted the thicker plates to 2 bikes ('56 19S, '37 CS1), they both work well with no sign of slip. The original pushrods and pressure plates were retained. There should be enough adjustment available at the gearbox end of the rod by slackening the pinch bolt on the clutch operating arm and rotating the worm to suit. I would suggest reassembling the clutch with the new components and try it.

If you really wanted to change the pressure plate and eliminate the mushroom I would strongly recommend also changing the 3 spring posts to the AMC type which allows individual adjustment of the spring pressures to obtain a clean lift of the pressure plate. I have found that to be a useful mod anyway, even though the mushroom does go some way to ensuring that the pressure plate lifts evenly.

The only issue I have experienced with the thicker plates (not supplied by the NOC) is that after approx 3 years use the outer tangs on the friction plates burred, resulting in a reluctance to disengage. Deburring restored normal operation and if it is only needed every 3 years I can put up with that. Preferable to notching of the basket slots.

Ian McD

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Yes Ian, I fitted the later style spring posts. Those, coupled with the mushroom, give a lift as good as you'll get. Still reluctant to come out of 1st or 2nd when stationary though! 

George

 


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