Brand New Clutch Gone Bad

[J-Madd]

Short story. New Dirt Digger Clutch. Rode about 6 times. Sunday the clutch went completely out. (Slips very badly. Still tons of tension on cable though.) I didn't adjust the clutch from the inside of the case when I installed it. Is this the problem? What else could be wrong? I have a new clutch ordered and want to ride this weekend, and need to order any other parts that may need replacing. I haven't had time to open the cover yet.

 

Thanks

[McSkinner]

Did you soak the plates in oil prior to installation?

[die_infidel]

I just bought this kit too waiting to install it. Is this a common problem or just installed wrong? Whats the proper way we should install the dirt digger kit? soak it in what kind of oil?

[J-Madd]

I soaked them in oil. I also (in a rush to ride that day) put regular castrol 10w -30 in the crankcase. I had always ran that in other bikes w/out any problems. I have ordered some Maxima crankcase oil for the new clutch.

[J-Madd]

What else could be wrong?

[McSkinner]

that's a tough one. Did you install the pressure plates by the book? There's a tab on each one. they're supposed to be staggered at 60 degree intervals.

[J-Madd]

I didn't see a tab on the aftermarket plates. They where all the same. If they are NOT all the same. That IS my problem. Do the Barnett plates have tabs that have to be set 60 degrees apart? Hell, I HOPE thats what it is. I've burned the clutch, but its easy to fix.

 

 

Thanks everyone for your input, and for any additional info.

[fixitrod]

I didn't adjust the clutch from the inside of the case when I installed it. Is this the problem?

[J-Madd]

I tore it down. I could smell burned clutch plates as soon as I opened the clutch cover. I don't think there is any other damage. I'll put in the new clutch and make the proper adustments this time.

 

(Any hints other than lining up the marks on the crankcase and the lever that pushes the push-rod (don't know what its called))?

 

Thanks

[bigboreshee]

Did you replace the springs with new ones? Slipping would be caused by weak springs or improper adjustment. Pretty sure it doesnt make a difference how the plates are installed.