The saga of the A65 'Bitsa' rumbles on with me now focussing on the clutch. The bike engine no. shows it to be a 1962 build and it came fitted with a 4 spring clutch plus a host of other mods. Stripping the clutch down it's clear that it is no longer fit for purpose. The chain wheel and clutch centre are badly serrated beyond repair and a previous 'overhaul' had omitted to include thrush washer when rebuilt along with other bodgery. Amongst the huge pile of bits I inherited with the bike is a 3 spring assembly which looks in good order so I plan to rebuild this using new shock absorber rubbers, clutch plate set, thrust washer, springs etc. Question is will it be OK as a straight swap for the 4 spring unit? The part number for the chain wheel is 68-3272 which suggests a 1968 (?) unit.
Hi,
If you have the bits for a 3 spring then go with that. I suspect that the move to a 3 from a 4 spring clutch was as much about saving money as it was about having common parts with Triumph.
Unfortunately your early 4 spring clutch may well be knackered which is a pity as they were probably the best of the lot. Although one plate less they are held together far more rigidly and have the extra thrust washer which also helps to keep everything in line.
The 3 spring is a straight swap fir the 4 spring.
Dave.
Cheers Dave, that's what I was hoping so a 3 spring clutch it will be. I've an idea for a jig design to help with the clutch centre rubber installation. Will share this if it works out