Aluminium vs Steel Clutch Plates

[PEZBerq]

I recently seen advice that the Husky aluminium clutch plates should be replaced with steel to stop contamination of the oil due to wear of the aluminium plates.  I am in the middle of a total engine rebuild (almost every bearing was shagged) and would gladly swap to steel plates if it was going to make a useful difference to gearbox life.

What is the go with Husky aluminium clutch plates - swap em out for steel or just change the oil frequently? 

Also does anyone know the wear limit for the clutch plates?  Mine are 1.4mm (aluminium plates) and 3.5mm (fibre plates).  Not sure how much they have worn but I dont think they are too bad.

Cheers Steve

[LWC82PE]

in my opinion i consider steel ones more heavy duty and better and alloy ones are more light weight high performance ones that dont last long.

[gorby]

steel plates will give you a little more flywheel effect,usually a good thing in a snappy motor

[Expat]

I recently fitted a new set of steel plates to my '75 Husky.
I never rode the bike with alloy plates so cant compare...but it goes just great with steels.

 

[maicomc490t]

I'm with Gorby re: the flywheel effect, which will be higher with steel plates, but remember you can also use this to your advantage.

If you want to tame an engine that is too snappy then the heavier flywheel effect offered by the steels is the way to go and vice versa using the alloy ones- the steel plates are more about longer plate life rather than having much to do with the rotating mass (flywheel effect)

Either way FREQUENT oil changes are the key to long component life be they bearings, gears or clutch plates. The golden rule of regular maintainence is OIL IS CHEAP when compared to spare parts!!!

See you at the back of the pack in '08 

[Husabergpete]

Young Steve,

I have spoke to my Husky Guru in Sweden regarding the limits. From new, the fibre plates should be 3.5mm thick and the alloy ones 1.5mm. Yours sound in spec to me.

Pete

[PEZBerq]

Thanks for the info everyone.  I will be running a set of steels and keep my alloys for spares.

The clutch basket fingers (teeth..what do you call those things?) has quite a wavey wear pattern where the plates drive against the basket.  Is it worth filing these out flat again to assist smooth clutch lever action or is it not necessary.  What clearance is Ok and what is excessive? Pete does your guru have to good oil on this?

Thanks