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Clutch mounting

Submitted by jon_lynch on Sat, 07/03/2020
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Commando

Hello,

I am reassembling my primary drive and i note that the the retaining nut holding the clutch centre on the mainshaft does not actually tighten onto the clutch centre but onto the shoulder of mainshaft where it becomes splined. There seems to be an excess of splined section of shaft by about 1/16"meaning the clutch basket has a degree of free movement on the shaft. 

 

If anyone could advise if this is correct that would be great. I am new to commando ownership so appreciate the help. 

 

Thanks,

Adam 

 

Submitted by stan_thomas on Sat, 07/03/2020

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Have you put the circlip on the mainshaft, the stepped washer over the mainshaft to the circlip and however many shims are required behind the clutch to align  with the engine sprocket?

Submitted by jon_lynch on Sat, 07/03/2020

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Hi Stan,

Thanks for your response. I had not disturbed this circlip or stepped washer as i was simply replacing the centre. Having gone out and just checked, I believe it may have been assembled incorrectly previously as i found the stepped washer and shim installed between the end of the sleeve gear (it has blued with heat) and the circlip.  

So just to ensure i have undersood you correctly assembly from a bare shft is as follows:

  1. circlip
  2. stepped washer with recessed face towards the gearbox i.e. so the circlip sits within recessed washer
  3. shims (to suit primary chain alignment as necesary)
  4. Clutch assembly (i.e. centre & basket), chain and crankshaft sproket as one
  5. tabbed washer, washer &nut

Thaks for your help,

Adam 

Submitted by ian_goodhall on Sat, 07/03/2020

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That is the correct order.

Some people replace the circlip pretty much every time they take the clutch off. You need to be sure it's in good condition. Also be aware that the torque setting (70 ft lb) for the clutch main nut is too much. It risks breaking the circlip. It's better to use 40 ft lb and some loctite on the nut. 

Ian

Submitted by jon_lynch on Sun, 15/03/2020

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After having assmbled the centre into the clutch basket i dry assembled the engine sprocket and the clutch onto corresponding shafts to check alignment (no chain and nipped them both up) with a straight edge. I now have another problem in that without any shims but the recessed spacer over the circlip the chain alignment is out by half a tooth (i.e. i need the basket further back by several mm). 

It was then i discovered 5mm endfloat on the mainshaft due to the retaining nut (behind the clutch actuating arm) very loose.  I torqued this up however the alignment is still out by approximately the same. It would suggest that this problem may be the reason it was assembled incorrectly in the first place but looking at the exploded diagrams I can't figure out how this could occur. 

 

My next step unless anyone could suggest something else to check is to try and remove the mainshaft. The question is can i simply remove the inner gearbox cover and extract the mainshaft (assume layshaft will come with it also) without disturbing the sleave gear? 

 Just wondering how far to go with the disassembly. 

 

Thanks for any help you can give                    

 

 


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