Scooterotica

I have a clutch problem, which is no good cause i just dont get clutches.
its a 195 quite high revving li, rebuilt about 700 miles ago. whole engine was rebuilt and checked over.
clutch was given new plates and new springs (stronger type from harry barlow). New shims used throughout, plus a few bearing changes.

The problem is this: last few days, on occasion, when i have the clutch pulled in it drags therefore creeping forward ever so slightly, with a lovely grinding noise. Its worrying me a little bit. sounds like when someones in a car and they catch the wrong gear.

The only thing i can think of that shouldve been replaced is the spider, as it had some gouges toward the bottom of the basket. i filed the proud ends but really i shouldve got another. the original plates were re-used. I did not check the free play of lthe plates when compressed as i am a nana.

any thoughts? is it worth me beefing up the clutch a bit as my home tune is a bit revvy....? or is it something else?

cheers everyone, its the last part of the engine thats a bit of a mystery to me!

adjust the cable!

cheers eden, will give it a few runs with cable set up properly as it has been slackening off every so often, maybe the cable will snap soon. ive also got a problem with the lever itself which has worn out causing it to stick.
however, it certainly isn't feeling like the clutch isn't fully engaged as it kind of lurches momentarily with the noise then stops and acts as normal.
I will change the lever and check if the cables fraying first, then see where i get with that.
thanks again!

have a look at the outer cable at the headset end, it may be pulling through the stop.

I wouldn't expect a dragging clutch to make any grinding noises but It's possible (I think) if there is wear in the clutch bearing /bush that it might be enough to catch the kick start. Either way, best pop the side case off and take a peek. Also, as you noted, a cable that needs adjusting all the time is probably shredding and won't last long before snapping completely when it's least convenient.

Set your cable adjuster just a few threads open. Put a large open ended spanner on clutch arm and pull the spanner towards the rear wheel so the arm moves forward.. At first it will be slack and then you will feel the tension. Just after this point is where your clutch cable trunnion should be sat in the clutch arm. Adjust accordingly after tightening the trunnion.
First job is to replace the cable as that is just complicating matters.

I agree i need to look at the cable as it is suggesting its on its way. plus the lever being worn is not helping. And yes will check ends as Eden suggested, but ive had this before and recently changed the outer so the caps are in good condition. as you all say, eliminate cable issues first, then see what happens.
Im interested in what youve said coaster about it catching the kickstart maybe, but the needle bearings and shims are new so it should be right. the bush it sits in seemed okay, didnt look worn. I may check that the kickstart itself isnt floating slightly, but it does seem to work the other way round, ie clutch is having an issue then causing noise..... Either way, all speculation until I whip off the case. Im just concerned that i wont find anything obvious!

Its certainly odd though. I did have a similar problem before I rebuilt the gearbox and clutch. It would on occasion, particularly in town, when sat with the clutch in in first, lurch forward unexpectedly as if someone had shunted me from behind. no odd noises that time though. I never did get an explanation for this. also the revs didnt drop and it didnt stall, so doesnt strike me that the clutch momentarily engaged then disengaged...... Only worth mentioning as its doing something similar again, although all shims, bearings, cork plates (not steels) and springs were changed........

If problem persists I may have to ask how you properly set up the damn thing. I know you need to check compressed clearance (1.5mm) but Im sure there's plenty more to check too.

Thanks all

Just to clarify, when i described the original issue in the first post, its not so much that the clutch is slightly engaged because the cable's too loose, its more that the clutch is properly disengaged when im sat in first gear with the lever in, then it suddenly lurches forward a little plus grinding sound and stops and resumes normal function, at which point I usually try and pull away sharpish to let the clutch have a breather!

Check for marks on the top plate on the clutch , also take the kick start shaft out and check the inner bush in the casing isnt sitting proud some times the can just be tapped in some times there to long when its all back together make sure the shim on the outside of the shaft is thick enough

I had similar trouble and thought it was just the new clutch cable stretching, adjusted a few times and all was well, until coming back from Brid last year and I couldn't select a gear at all accompanied with that awful grinding sound. Anyway got recovery home and on inspection found top clutch plate was chewed up, me good old mate changed for new and touch wood all is right as rain now. Cheers, good luck.