PE175 clutch problem

[pmc57]

Assistance required please with a draging clutch on a PE175C. All plates are within width spec. no warpage eveident, clutch basket has been re-machined to remove finger wear marks, springs are all within length spec, recent rebuild with all new bearings, seals through out.
Strange thing is that with the clutch lever pulled fully in against the handlebar grip it is worst than as the lever is released, say 10mm out from the bars.

I'm confused... all help and ideas appreciated.

[oldfart]

Pete- have you forgot to put the thrust washer on the rack ??

[pmc57]

Stew, no, the thrust washer etc is all in place. This has been an ongoing issue with one of Ed's PE's. It wasn't right when last rode a year or so ago and it just got shelved and forgotten about for a while.

He's keen to ride it this weekend at Murphy's Creek, I was at his place this evening with the clutch cover off, clutch apart, checked the rack and thrust washer, everything seemed to be correct, still drags.
Like i said, funny thing it is worst with the clutch lever pulled all the way in, than 10mm or so short of the grip!

Very strange and confusing.

Pete

[lukeb1961]

if the clutch looks fine, then perhaps wrong engine oil...

[vmx42]

Do you have the correct cable and lever? Using a lever and perch from another brand could have a different lever ratio, or simply not be pulling enough cable...

Just in case...

[oldfart]

Are they New plates ......Did you soak them in oil first prior to install.
Is the clutch basket a firm fit on drive shaft ( No bearing slop ) as this will have a binding affect on the external fingers.
I will be home in the morning 

[chrisdespo]

Hey i found with a rm 370 that was rebuilt by a friend that the clutch was dragging and turns out the clutch cover had flex when you pulled te lever in, you could see the case where the pinion shaft goes moving in and out guess that has somethin to do with metal fatigue.... may not be but wise to have a look

[dkupf]

I had the same trouble with a CR. I found were the clutch actuator arm went through the clutch cover it had worn the hole in the cover egg shaped. I had it machined out and put a brass bush in the cover Darcy

[pmc57]

Thanks to all for your responses, the egg shaped hole for the actuator is interesting, we will need to check this one out.

[lukeb1961]

did it get solved? What was it?

[pmc57]

Sorry i can't provide an update yet, the poor old thing still hasn't been looked at since the ride it was taken out on a couple of weeks ago. It's not my bike and i'm sure the owner (PERM250) hasn't looked at it yet either.
The last post gave a possible maybe, i've been gathering opinion to see if anyone else has had similar issues hense the post here.

Will keep everyone informed of developments, both possitive and negative but it could take a few weeks.

[oldfart]

ED....  Do you have too many irons in the fire