A65C Clutch Plate Arrangement

[JN A65C]

I have a 64/65 A65C motor of questionable origin that has been rebuilt and I am looking to confirm the clutch plate arrangement on my 4 spring clutch. It appears to have a no drag (red) clutch plate kit, I started with a friction plate against the inside of the basket and with 5 plates there is approximately 1/8 inch of drum left and the clutch rod seems like a good length.

However if I use all 6 plates the clutch pack is stacked all the way out to the edge of the hub and the rod seems too short.. most everything I read is conflicting about 3 spring, 4 spring 5, 6 and 7 plate clutches can anyone help please?

To make matters worse all the diagrams I have seen of stock clutches list (5) plates each but show a sixth metal plate inside against the basket but that makes no sence..

Thanks!

[bikerbob]

I qoute from the workshop manual my bike is 1963 and has the 4spring clutch.  "Slide one segmented driving plate into the clutch chainwheel then one plain plate and so on,until all the plates are assembled. there being five of each excluding the fixed back plate, "    "Insert the clutch push rod into the hollow gearbox mainshaft (if it has been remved) and replace the pressure plate,spring cups,springs and nuts. It is essential that the spring nuts are tightened evenly to keep the plates parallel. Normal setting is for the outer face of the nut to be flish with the end of the stud"
I hope this helps I do not know what a red clutch plate kit is

[Bess]

Hi,

    This maybe worth a read:

https://sumpmagazine.com/classic-bike-workshop/bsa-a65-clutch.htm

Quote: 'This BSA A65 had a four-spring clutch and eleven plates (five-friction, and six steel). But all kinds of variations are likely. And possible. Our advice is to stay as close to the way the factory set it up unless there are compelling reasons to change it, or unless you know exactly what you're doing, and why'

Best wishes...

[Mike Farmer]

 

The way I see it is that there should be 6 plain and 5 segmented plates. So start with a plain plate then segmented then alternately finishing with the last plain. However beware cos on some centres you may find that the first plain plate has become stuck and some it appears were sweated in place. In either of those situations THEN start with a segmented plate. It will still 6 and 5 alternately.

Mike

[JN A65C]

Thank you all this is VERY helpful particularly the quote from the workshop manual, I should get one DUH:) I feel confident that the segmented (friction) plate goes in first because otherwise it would be spinning metal on metal so that leaves just one more question that will help me sort out the 5 VS 6 plate question:

When the clutch pack is installed is there some space left on the hub or are the plates stacked all the way to the very top?

[DerekAnderson8]

Stack to the top, as long as the teeth are engaged in the grooves.

[JN A65C]

Thanks everyone! I'll just have to get a longer clutch rod now...

[Bess]

Hi,
     Here's a link to the manual and workshop manuals:

https://www.veteranmc.no/Teknisk/BSA%201966-a50-a65-manual.pdf

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A9-J8ctG7aYh6SgSb-IjYEXDeGPR9-qw/view

Best wishes...

[JN A65C]

Perfect thanks Bess!!!!

[Bess]

Hi,

You are welcome.

There are service sheets which update the manuals, if you are a member, look up service sheet 153 dated March 1967 in the members area for the latest information regarding setting the spring tension.

Best wishes..