Early excelsior clutch 1917

[danf19]

I am trying to reassemble my early 1917 Excelsior clutch. It’s been a while since I took apart, and of course I can’t find the pictures that I took when I did that.
Would anyone be able to tell me the order of the steel and fiber disc and also do the springs get any sort of lube?
Thank you I’ll post some pictures later
Dan

[exeric]

Hello, Dan. These pictures are of my 1916 Excelsior clutch. I believe clutch disk picture is the correct sequence of steel, and fiber disks.

clu6.jpg clut1.jpg

[exeric]

I recall that the pressure plate springs are protected from the elements, but could use some light 'Never-Seize' lubricant but don't get any on the clutch plates. Beautifully made clutch, but needs as much attention as a new-born baby to keep it happy.

[danf19]

Thank you . Did you reuse your fiber disc or purchase new ones ? If so from whom? Are the new ones Kevlar ?
What other “attention “ do they need ?
I notice that I have one more steel disc and one more fiber . Did they vary ?
thanks
Dan

[exeric]

I would put it together and see if the stack-up works within the limits of the pressure plate. To (many)high, or (few)low plates will be determined when trying to thread (and adjust) the big threaded ring on the pressure plate to the clutch basket. I don't know the source of the fiber disks but I would assume Kevlar would be ideal if available. The high maintenance items are those thrust bearings, and the balls inside the clutch hub. The clutch on my '16 worked quite well but surprising how little pedal movement was needed. Definitely took some 'getting used too'.

[exeric]

I don't know if any of this will help you, Dan; but pictures can give perspective and placement. Selling that '16 X was 1 of 3 incredibly stupid motorcycle deals I have done. I worked harder on that '16 than any motorcycle I've owned or will own and the end result was a good running, attractive bike that I will miss till the day I die. These are pics of the open transmission, and clutch hub, shell and bearings.

clu2.jpg clu3.jpg clu9b.jpg clu9.jpg

[danf19]

Thank you . A few more questions ….…. Is there a bearing behind here ? If so, how to access it without damaging parts . I see no set screw etc .
I believe I’m supposed to to have a fiber disc riveted in here. Anyone know anyone making the fiber disc or who can do the work ? Guessing it’s a pretty high strength situation or perhaps adhesive ?
again thanks ,
Dan

[danf19]

Answered my questions . Yes bearing but can’t get the outer ring cover off. Thought it was thin but looks pretty hefty . Any suggestions on how to replace the bearings ? Also, suggestions on bearing replacement in terms of a modern or who might sell the original ?
Thanks

[exeric]

Sorry for the delay, Dan. Those pictures go back 10 plus years ago so I'm a bit hazy on how I got the balls out. I seem to recall that I made 2 small picks out of welding rod and ground the ends to fit between the balls and probably put a hook on the ends to pry a ball out of the relief grooves in the inner and outer races. Once you get the first ball out, the rest get easier, and easier. Perhaps someone else has a better method, or better material for the picks. Also, patience, and a good vocabulary of really dirty words helps.

The following pictures show an on-size 5/16" ball, and a 1 mill under ball. I don't know why I may have used an under-size ball but I would bet Excelsior specified a standard 5/16 ball. You can get balls from McMaster Carr or Jack Daniels but I prefer McMaster Carr for this application.

clu5.jpg clu4.jpg

[danf19]

Thank you so much ….. did you add the grease fitting ?
having a heck of the time getting out the initial bearing . Thank you

[exeric]

I did add the zerk grease fitting but I don't recall if I had to drill and tap a new hole, or if there was an existing hole. Here are a few heart breaking pictures of my '16.

apea.jpg apeb.jpg as5.jpg