Starter Clutch SF

[Franc]

I’ve had an issue with my starter clutch getting noisy one of the bullets is stuck in the chamber. I’ve got a spare starter clutch which is generally less worn, but I need to rivet the sheet steel cover on. Is there any issue with using brass rivets, a friend of mine has some m5 x 20 looks to me like the square key takes the strain rather than the rivets? If it’s a problem I’ll mail order steel but wanted to get out Monday if the weathers good..

Thanks in advance
Franc

 

[Ernesto]

Just cut threads and use screws.

 

[sfcpiet]

Use steel rivets. Countersunk 5 x 22mm are the ones you require, 5x25 can also be used, these will require a little post-installation machining. The key will NOT take the strain in the long run, just as screws really are not up to the job. Besides, there's no space for nuts or screw heads anyway and there is no chance in hell to cut a thread in the clutch internal ring.

A rivet will close up all play in the bore it passes through (if installed correctly!), thus negating any possible movement between housing and inner ramp thingy.

piet

 

[1200ts]

The rivets on my 1968 750GT starter clutch were replaced by small screws and nuts 30 years ago and all is still working OK.

 

[Andysouthampton]

These steel rivets, do you heat them up red hot or just use a big hammer, thks

 

[sfcpiet]

These steel rivets, do you heat them up red hot or just use a big hammer, thks

No. I use a press and a short mandrel. They're rather soft steel and squish easily.

piet

 

[Franc]

Got it sorted - I waited for for some for some rivets. Is there a recommended grease for the pins springs and rollers?

Franc

 

[piranha-bro2]

Plenty of opinions on this. I’ve always mounted mine completely dry and made a habit of checking every year or two if being used regularly. Others will chime in with their ideas

 

[Andy]

I glued mine together with blobs of grease, which helped the reassembly.
But either way, as PB above (and others) say, check it fairly regularly. They take a pounding and will wear with or without lube.

 

[sfcpiet]

Grease is the most common cause for stuck pistons and clutch slippage. A few drops of engine oil every couple of months keeps it in working condition nicely.

Here's what an overhauled clutch can look like... difficult to un-do previous damage to the threads, though.

piet

 

[Franc]

back together and sounds normal - I used engine oil when assembling plungers. I don’t have a press so got the rivets red-hot dropped each one in individually and pressed in my big vice - have to be quick but works well! By the way are the casing / covers supposed to be Allen screws or bolts?
Franc

 

[hooksey]

Hex head Bolts.