New Clutch Issues

[hawgwild]

I put a new Primo belt drive and a heavy duty clutch on my 42 knuck and when I engage the clutch you can't engage it smoothly. It's either disengaged or engaged with a snap. Can anyone give me any ideas to correct this problem so the clutch will engage smoother?

[vph-d]

Belt alignment is critical to good clutch operation. Use a straight-edge ruler to check the pulleys. Also make sure you have 3/4" or so of play in the belt, or the clutch will kind of "seize up" when the pulleys warm up.
VPH-D

[hawgwild]

The gear belt pulley are lined up to within .010 over the length of the pulleys and the clutch is disengaging fine but it doesn't engage smoothly. It feels like dropping the clutch on a race car on the start line lol. The clutch is a 5 plate clutch and a 5 stud hub. I've never used this setup before. I was wondering if anyone else has this setup or had the same problems?

[CalBurn]

I've used the same drive with good results. Originally had the greenish colored V-Twin clutch plates. It grabbed, made crazy noises, etc. Threw them away and put in a set of worn out OEM Harley clutch plates and they worked like a champ. I recently did another clutch with V-Twin's "replica" grade clutch an they worked fine.

[48hdbob1]

Try scuffing the steel plates with some emery cloth. I use a flapper wheel in a drill, goes faster. I have the "green clutch" in a '64 FLH with the narrow belt and I have to clean the steel plates occasionally or it gets real grabby like that.-Bob

[Sargehere]

And don't overlook the fact that one of the most precise straightedges commonly available is a common fluorescent tube. Absolutely straight; just handle carefully.

[chibobber]

florescent tubes

8 footers work great fo wheel alignment.

[Chris Haynes]

It is curious that the H-D service manual advises NOT to use florescent tubes.

[Sargehere]

Lawyers, no doubt, wrote that caution in the "service manuals," you reference. It shore wasn't written because fluorescent tubes ain't straight enuf! They're fragile glass and they're filled with mercury vapor. What could go wrong?
Hey, Congress has outlawed the manufacture of vacuum incandescent bulbs, that were only relatively harmless glass if they broke, and good enuf for Thomas Edison, instead mandating that we all use only mini-fluorescent bulbs all over our houses, pretty soon. Have you seen the full "environmental clean up" procedures for if you accidentally drop and break one of those lovelies? Protective clothing, gloves, ventilation, chemical clean up; Just about everything short of calling the Environmental Protection Agency!
That, I'm sure, is what that's about. Fluorescent tubes are the straighest straightedge commonly available in your home. Just be careful, very, very careful, while using them.

[indianut]

Try and loosen all 5 of your stud nuts a couple of flats. I have found on my Pan that if they are a little on the tight side I get the symptom you are describing. Personally I would shitcan the 5 stud as the stock unit works fine. With a 5 you Always have a loose one anyways!

[Sargehere]

Oh, and since you're only talking about the short distance of a primary drive, the other handy straightedge found around the house is a glass shelf from your medicine cabinet. Not quite as dangerous as a flourescent tube, I guess.