Clutch click

Previously peter_holland1 wrote:

Trevor,

1. The Electra clutch actuating system works by twisting one plate relative to a fixed plate. Between the plates are three ball bearings held in cups. You are hearing and feeling the balls come completely out of their cups. This only happens if there is excess play in the clutch pushrod adjustment. I'm assuming you have not changed the clutch lever and inadvertedly got one with a longer throw.

1a. Possibly its a long time since you had the primary cover off and adjusted the clutch.

1b. The clutch adjuster screw has backed off (unlikely)

1c. The clutch centre nut is coming loose and the clutch is moving down the splined gearbox mainshaft (much more likely). You really need proper tools to hold the clutch, tighten firmly, and use a new spring washer.

2. Not clear what 'flush' means - is it. I take it to mean flush with the outer face of the large section, not screwed all the way down till the last bit of the screw is flush with the pressure plate.

2a. Spring length is not so important. They should not get coil bound. The adjustment of each spring should be fine tuned so that the pressure plate starts lifting at all three spring positions simultaneously.

3. The Electra uses a 1/2 ins BSF bolt to secure the starter ratchet, alternator rotor and engine sprocket. A standard head size for 1/2 ins BSF is 5/16 ins (8mm) high. This will never fit in the limited gap between the sprag clutch and starter ratchet. The Norton bolt has a thinned head and in addition, is lightly couterbored to ensure clearance of the sprag clutch mounting shaft. Also, the proper bolt is plain and then threaded, not threaded all it's length.

3a. See if the bolt is likely the original.

3b. Are you sure the engine sprocket and it's key are seated properly? The alternator rotor fully home? The proper tab washer, about 1mm thick, is under the bolt? All these could contribute to the bolt head being too near the sprag clutch shaft.

The good thing is that all the above are accessible by removing the primary drive cover.

There are some very good pictures of Electra on Ian Easton's 'Electra Rebuild thread' that may help you.

Best of luck

Peter

Hi Peter

Thanks for your comments

1 I have adjusted and have resolved the problem fine adjustment of the 3 springs and the clutch rod screw has sorted it the 3 adjusters screwed it so that the final spring coil can be seen and all seems ok

3 the bolt is not original as it is threaded all the way there was no washer when I first bought it, so during the winter I put it back together with a washer. I have removed the sprang clutch and chain and will get the bolt machined and purchase a new starter shaft as this has been blurred by the bolt head

In the mean time I will use the kick start once again thanks f or the information

Trevor

Previously trevor_veale wrote:

I thought I Postedthis last eve but ???

I have a number of issues with my electra

1 when operating the clutch lever fully there is a click/klunk as it gets to the end of the travel

2 The manual. States the clutch spring adjusters should be flush with the pressure plate they will notscrew in that far because of the spring compression, what is the correct spring length could this be the problem or could it be a problem with the clutch lifter

3 the sprocket shaft assembly on the spragg clutch fouls the retaining bolt for the starter ratchet should there be a special thin headed retaining bolt

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Trevor