OK heres the deal. I replaced the clutch in my 350X. About 15 minutes after the motor was running, the clutch started slipping badly, as if the clutch was not being released all the way. Handle bar adjustments were working, but it kept getting worse. Its acting like the 4 clutch spring bolts are becoming loose. The lever that gets pulled by the cable is VERY tight, no play at all. I called Honda, and they told me that I was supposed to tighten those 4 spring bolts down all the way untill those springs were completely compressed. I had two people from honda tell me that. If this is true, then how does the clutch disengage? (spelling?) I thought that the springs compress when you pull in the clutch. Ive heard the 300EX clutch is the same design, so anyone with any experience please help out.

 

Tighten those spring bolts to about 5-6 ft/lbs or just snug.
ERIC

 

The springs have to be tightened down all the way. The springs are tightened down and then provide spring tension against the clutch pack to prevent slipping. When you pull in the clutch lever, the springs are compressed even further which releases that pressure against the clutch pack. You wont be able to move the clutch arm on the case by hand, there is no mechanical advantage that the lever and perch provides.

In a nut shell how it works is that the spring pressure holds the pressure plate tight against the clutch pack. When you squeeze the lever, the clutch lifter(or pusher) will push the pressure plate against the spring tension, which takes tension off of the clutch pack.

Also you need to soak your clutch plates in oil for an hour or so prior to installation.

 

<< Its acting like the 4 clutch spring bolts are becoming loose. >>


The 4 bolts holding the lifter plate on the Recon is *torqued* 9 lbf-ft. I know that yours too will have a torque value and it is very important to be accurate. If not it will cause clutch problems(uneven wear,cracking etc.) I know mine is an auto but the clutch packs are very similar and I wouldn't be surprised they use the same disc on some other models. Hope this helps.

 

Backcountry: I soaked the plates in oil prior to installing them.
What I dont understand is how you say to tighten the spring bolts down all the way,
but that they need to be compressed even further. When you say all the way, do you mean tighten them down ALL THE WAY? Untill the springs cannot be compressed anymore?

Also, with the spring bolts tightened down completely, is the &quot;pusher&quot; going to be able to &quot;reach in&quot; enough to put pressure on the bearing?

Thanks for any help anyone is providing.
-Matt