Clutch Center

Greetings to all. My first post: I'm trying to get my '74 Interstate ready for the INOA Empire rally next week and am trying to perform tasks I've not attempted previously. Presently I'm attempty to replace a badly notched clutch center. When I pull on this with my fingers, the entire clutch basket wants to come towards me, prevented from doing so by the primary chain. I have not yet found the manuals to be specific on this task. Is it possible to remove the clutch center by itself or must the whole clutch basket, engine sprocket and primary chain be removed together as a whole? Thank you for your assistance.

Kind Regards,

BruceJ

Bruce ,to replace that notched center with the new hardened type one you will have to pull everything. Chain ,both sprockets , the works.See you in N.Y. Peter

Yes, you must remove the alternator (stator & rotor) and then the front drive sprocket at the same time you pull the clutch chain wheel off with the chain attached. The clutch centre has a circlip at the rear. Also note the shims on the gearbox mainshaft, these are needed to ensure the clutch is spaced outward to align with the engine sprocket, don't forget them when fitting up the clutch. The assembly is the reverse of the removal, both engine sprocket and clutch chainwheel with chain looped on fit up to their shafts at the same time. Make sure the keyways are upright and visible. It can help to slacken the rear drive chain and then slacken the gearbox and shift it forward to allow less tension on fitting up the clutch hub.

Mick

Please do some research here. there are a few things to consider doing this job. One would be to change the clutch bearing possibly to a sealed type.

Another thing would be change the clutch locating clip. Always good to put in a fresh one while you are in this far.

The other thing that comes to mind is the pressure(torque) at which you apply to the clutch center(fixing) nut. This has a direct correlation to the clutch locating clip.

Too much torque or specified torque can and has sheared this clip. I suggest 40 ft lb and blue Loctite rather than the 70 ft lb stated in the manuals.

Again, there are other things that you can do as preventative maintenance while being in as deep as you are. Or if things are good and clean, leave well enough alone, but do some research.

And get a manual.

And a plasic card with magnetic strip and encoded chip and shiny little numbers too.

Torontonian said:

And a plasic card with magnetic strip and encoded chip and shiny little numbers too.

Click to expand...

I think he means an American Express Gold card. That way you can pick up that belt drive kit and 3 phase charging system. :lol:

Thank you for this great feedback. I'll have at this tomorrow.

Kind Regards,

BruceJ

Yes, for sure replace the clutch locating clip. You can't get them off without stretching them and believe me, I've tried. I always keep about 3-5 around, you never know when you need to pull that clutch basket or inner primary off. Same with timing side gasket, gearbox outer cover, and lots of others. It's not worth waiting a week for a few bucks in gaskets.

Dave
69S