Hi all
Recently fitted new clutch plates to my 1971 A65, I was a bit concerned to see that the whole clutch assembly moved from side to side when the clutch lever was pulled. I didn't measure it, but it looked like at least 2mm of movement. I assume therefore that the mainshaft has some end play, but I can't find anything in the manual to suggest how to shim it or what might be the issue. My concern is that it is putting the primary chain out of line. The bike has done 20, 000 miles and hasn't been abused. The manual says 'the starter ratchet mechanism automatically takes up all of the mainshaft endfloat'. Is this where I should be looking for the problem?
The bike rides fine, the clutch and gearbox work perfectly......any ideas?
Do you mean the whole clutch or just the outer chainwheel?
It looked like the whole clutch unit including the chain wheel moved to the outside when the clutch was pulled and then returned to its original position when the clutch as released. So the primary chain run was moving, which is what concerns me.
Hi,
Thos sounds like a problem with the main shaft not being held securely in the gearbox.
The timing end has the kick start mechanism attached and the bush and nut hold the shaft in the bearing. If the nut has backed off then the main shaft can move. This is not easy to check as it is within the inner timing cover.
Is the kick start working properly? If the nut has backed off then the ratchet may not engage or return correctly.
Dave.
I think the wording in the workshop manual is a bit misleading - what it is trying to say is that the mainshaft is locked to the outer bearing via the ratchet mechanism nut. The only way, in principle, to get end float is if the nut has come loose or the circlip holding the bearing in has been dislodged!
Hi,
The clutch basket has some side to side movement when the clutch lever is pulled. If its excessive check the clutch sleeve thrust washer and the clutch sprocket rollers for wear.
If the shaft is moving in and out check the gearbox side main shaft nut first.
Best wishes...
Thanks for all replies- Dave, the kickstart works OK most of the time, but occasionally goes 'dog to dog' and locks up, and you then have to rock the bike in gear to free it. This only happens now and again.
Bess, I will check if its just the actual clutch basket that is moving, looking at the manual i now think that is the most likely thing happening.
I have to fit a new primary chain soon as the old one is on the limit of its adjustment, so when i do that i will let you know the results.
Many thanks all!