Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

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Kryzstov
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Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#1

Post by Kryzstov »

My clutch is working well, but has always been a bit tight to pull in on the lever. (I don't have a mousetrap). I just replaced my clutch discs, which feels great, but didn't help the tightness.

I was wondering if the later (longer) style springs will help make my clutch easier to pull in.

These are the ones I'm considering, but in the description below it mentions that they're for a belt drive. I'm assuming they're also fine for my chain drive?

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/6300282

Thanks in advance!
VPH-D
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#2

Post by VPH-D »

The -68 clutch springs are easier to pull than the early -41 springs.
VPH-D
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#3

Post by Schwee »

Those are for "exposed" belt drive. Because they're chrome.
Get the J&P Part: 630-100 instead.

Later (post foot clutch and mouse trap) are longer and thinner, making them easier to pull but with the same end pressure.
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#4

Post by Kryzstov »

Get the J&P Part: 630-100 instead.
Thank you for the reply. Are you sure that the 630-100 are the longer style? It doesn't mention the length in the description.
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#5

Post by RUBONE »

In 1968 H-D came out with the softer pull clutch without a mousetrap. At the same time they changed from a 3-1/2 disc clutch to a 5 disc clutch. This allowed the softer springs to control a clutch with much greater friction area than the previous type, so no loss of clutch action with the soft springs, and generally a milder engagement with the 5 plate assembly. When using an aftermarket performance clutch such as Barnett the springs can be backed off even slightly more with no slippage issues and a softer pull. The combination of soft springs with the early clutch pack usually works fine, but the extra plate of the later type makes it a better overall unit, with a higher reserve of grip.
Kryzstov
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#6

Post by Kryzstov »

Thank Rubone for taking the time to explain. I've also installed the 5-pin clutch hub, so It sounds like I'm on the right track. I just bought the ones I mentioned. When I install them, I believe I should set the plate at 1-1/16" opposed to the 31/32" right?

I have another guy on Chop Cult forum telling me it won't work. I don't understand:
http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47172

Here's a pic of my clutch as it sits now.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#7

Post by RUBONE »

NOT 5 pin, 5 PLATE. personally I feel the 5 pin hubs are a waste of time and money. Much easier to get even pull with a 3 pin.
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#8

Post by Schwee »

Guy on the Chop forum is wrong. It will work just fine.
Even with the longer, thinner springs, set to 31/32"
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#9

Post by VPH-D »

Oh, and while you're at it, get the right hardware to mount the rear of the inner primary cover...
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Kryzstov
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#10

Post by Kryzstov »

VPH-D wrote:Oh, and while you're at it, get the right hardware to mount the rear of the inner primary cover...
VPH-D
You don't like those bolts :)
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#11

Post by Kryzstov »

Schwee wrote:Guy on the Chop forum is wrong. It will work just fine.
Even with the longer, thinner springs, set to 31/32"
Thank you
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#12

Post by PanPal »

The rear inner primary bolts, upper and lower have springs washers and a cotter pin. The way you have it bolted will cause the inner primary cover to crack.
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Re: Clutch Springs (early vs. late)

#13

Post by Frankenstein »

Has anyone actually used the diaphram spring clutch, and does it give any better results than the coil spring ones? in particular, selection of neutral and pull required at the lever?
I've always stayed away from foot shift machines, preferring foot clutch operation as that was how the clutch was originally designed to be used. But, I'm considering foot shift for my next build and would like to know about these things
Thanks,
DL
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