My A65 has a 4 spring clutch which has play on the chainwheel/clutch basket. I can pull the whole of the basket in and out more than I think is correct. This seems to be the cause of a loud "clacking" noise coming from the clutch area when the bike is running. I have replaced the rollers and regreased but the play is still there. I know the 3 spring clutch has a thrust washer but the 4 spring does not appear to have one. Any ideas on how to take out the play?
Thanks
John.
The 4 spring clutch was modified to include a thrust washer, according to parts book after engine A65 2301.
Maybe your engine has the earlier version of the clutch?
You can see it in on the parts book page below.
Thanks Julian - I also picked up on your reply to Biker Bob with the same problem. Had a good search for the bits needed, can get the centre (68-3252) from Dragonfly but they cannot supply the thrust washer and neither can anyone else it would appear (unless you have any ideas) so now I am really deflated! Anyone out there any ideas on a supplier?
Thanks again Julian, at least you cheered me up for about an hour.
Have you tried Burton Bike Bits 01530 564362.
When I did this mod I am pretty sure I bought the parts from Burton bike bits they actually list 2 thrust washers for the 4 spring clutch part numbers 68-3245- 68-3253 I bought both but when I stripped the clutch down I found that one had already been fitted from new although it is not listed in the 1963 parts list my bike is 1963 model.
Hi Julian & Bob - I did look on Burton bikes website and it was not listed, however I have just come off the phone to them, having spoken to an extremely knowledgeable Carolyne who said as the 4 spring clutch is not specific to the Spitfire I may need a new cage as well as a hub, dependent on what year clutch it is. So she has given me a casting number to look for and also a description of the different chainwheels so as to determine what year clutch it is. But once I have sorted that, they do stock the thrust washer.
Will let you know how it all ends up.
John.
Hi everyone - managed to rebuild my clutch and now have no play. What I still have is the noise! So it would appear not to be the clutch - back to the drawing board.
John.
Hi John, how much float did it have before, I looked at mine today ( new 4 spring ) it does rock a bit but the clutch operates well and makes a noise with the primary cover off. I cannot remember if it had a thrust washer when I fitted it. ??? Thanks.
Hi - it had lots of play and when I rocked it in and out it just sounded like a lesser version of the noise when running, hence me thinking I had sorted it.
John.
presumably the splines have worn on both shaft and basket this would introduce more play and noise.