New clutch break in?

[VWTim]

Is a sloppy clutch normal thru breakin? I replaced my clutch and upgraded (2) of the springs last weekend. Finally took it out this AM to work and the clutch felt like it was slipping some. I didn't let it and just eased off thru breakin. Is this normal for a wet clutch system to need breakin before it fully grips? Or did my Hawk magically start making 90 RWHP?

[motorcycleman]

Sounds like you may need an adjustment

[VWTim]

Sounds like you may need an adjustment

I have it adjusted with a bit of slop at the lever. I'm going to look into it again tonight and make sure nothings binding my clutch cable at different turn positions.

[Hordpower]

Did you make sure the pressure plate and hub are properly engaged? They "key" together and if not put in the right position when mounted, you won't get full clamping pressure on the clutch pack. If it is slipping noticeably stop riding and figure out what is the matter before the clutch pack is destroyed. There is no break-in needed for a clutch.

[VWTim]

Did you make sure the pressure plate and hub are properly engaged? They "key" together and if not put in the right position when mounted, you won't get full clamping pressure on the clutch pack. If it is slipping noticeably stop riding and figure out what is the matter before the clutch pack is destroyed. There is no break-in needed for a clutch.

Ya, I'm not riding as I haven't had time to dig into it, other than the trip to work and back. As to the "key" part of the clutch pack can you please explain? I'm not up on the names of the parts in the clutch unit. But the main geared "basket?" is places so it's keyed in correctly if that's it. Also all clutch discs and plates are aligned correctly.

The clutch is acting just like it did before I swaped the discs. Only slip at higher throttle openings like it's going out. I'm gonna go look into things in a bit.

Please keep the ideas coming guys, and THANKS!!

[VWTim]

Word of advise. When following the manual LOOK AT THE PICTURES!!!! I messed up on the placement on the outer "oversize" disc. Took it for a ride and it felt 1000 times better.

[VWTim]

Well, bad news. The clutch is much better than before, but I took it for a more spirited ride today (been parked due to freezing weather till now) and I'm getting some slip at high RPM's, WOT. The clutch freeplay is set overly loose to rule that out.

Anyone know any other things that either may have been put in wrong or are damaged? The steel discs looked great and showed no signs of heat, but can they wear down to cause problems?

[VWTim]

Did you make sure the pressure plate and hub are properly engaged? They "key" together and if not put in the right position when mounted, you won't get full clamping pressure on the clutch pack. If it is slipping noticeably stop riding and figure out what is the matter before the clutch pack is destroyed. There is no break-in needed for a clutch.

Going back to this again. The parts you're refering to; (using incorrect terms) The basket and the inner hub that holds the friction plates? I thought I had them in correctly, but this might be another issue in addition to the earlier outter friction disc in wrong.
Thanks in advance,

[Hordpower]

Basket- outer part with the gear on it that the fibers engage
Pressure plate- thing with the spring posts on it
Hub- Center part that the metals engage

The basket goes on pretty self-explanatory, just slides on over the spacer and engages the oil pump drive sprocket. (always check to make sure the sprocket is engaged by the back of the basket)

Next goes on the big washer. Then build the clutch pack on the hub, small fiber first with judder springs, followed by a metal, big fiber, another metal, etc. When the clutch pack is built, put the pressure plate on the stack. The pressure plate has little guide splines or teeth on it that must engage the hub properly, or else the pressure plate won't seat fully on the clutch pack and squeeze it tightly. If it doesn't seat properly, turn it 90 degrees and try again until it fits right. Then install the hub/clutch stack/pressure plate assy. into the basket. This is tricky, because you must align the fibers with the basket and the hub with the splines on the transmission mainshaft. Install and tighten the clutch nut. Once you get the hub assy. in there, make sure the pressure plate still clamps tightly onto the clutch stack, before you install the springs. This is where things go wrong typically.

It's possible at some point previously somebody installed the clutch improperly, and there are burrs on the hub and/or pressure plate which is keeping it from clamping tightly. Look into it, and you will find the prob. I'm sure.

[VWTim]

Excellent, thanks for the step by step. I'll dig into it Friday afternoon after class.