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Navigator Clutch issues

Submitted by steven_tyrer on Mon, 27/12/2021
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Light Twins

I have been having an intermittent problem with the clutch, when the bike is hot some times the clutch slips when trying to re-start the engine, Reading the brilliant compendium and Andy's advice I have boiled the friction plates in washing powder and inspected all for distortion and wear the only thing that is not to spec is the thick back plate (first one in) it has no step on the outside diameter of the back face, I also notice that the outer clutch basket has a small internal radius could the sharp corner of the back plate be binding on the radius? So I am going to machine a step on the back plate to accommodate the basket internal rad. Any comments before I machine the plate would be helpful.

Submitted by robert_tuck on Mon, 27/12/2021

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Other things to consider, try another half a turn on the springs.  Check the oil you are using is not too slippy.

Submitted by peter_holland1 on Mon, 27/12/2021

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Hi Steven,

A photo of your first plate would really help.

The proper plate is like one of the plain plates when viewed on one side. Tangs on the outside and flat all over. This side faces the first friction plate.

Tangs of the stepped plate are same thickness as the tangs on a plain plate.

The step is on the inside of the stepped plate, facing the clutch basket inside.

The inner face of the stepped plate rests on the bottom of the clutch basket. It is stepped so that the tangs do not get hung up on the small radii at the end of the clutch basket slots as you describe.

Put in the proper plate and you will be on a much stronger foundation. 

Forget machining to accommodate your rogue plate. An extra turn or turn and a half on the spring adjusters will probably give you a working clutch action.

Happy fettling.

Peter p

 

 

 

Thanks Robert and Peter, the first plate has friction pads on one side the drawings of the plate order are not very clear so going by Peters comment the plates are non standard! Measuring the depth of all the plates I get just under 1 inch and the depth of the basket is the same so I take it that I have a full complement of plates but not to the original spec. I have machined the step and the action of the clutch is better so I just need some dry weather to give the bike a ride.

Rob commented about the oil I am using a straight 50 oil with no additives?

Submitted by robert_tuck on Mon, 27/12/2021

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 A  50 oil sounds a bit on the heavy side  ,unless  you are  in a hot climate . Straight oils are not  sold for our use, Additives are now universal  ,  You just need an oil thats suitable. for a wet clutch.

Submitted by nicholas_clarke on Fri, 31/12/2021

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I agree with Dan, since I started using ATF fluid in my Navigator and Royal Enfield Bullet primary sides three years ago all my clutch issues have disappeared with no sign of chain or bearing wear or oil seal issues.  Interestingly the primary side runs cleaner too with none of the black oil discolouration I used to get when I used 20/50 engine oil.   Another tip from my experience is even with a new set of plates and springs I have always needed to tighten the springs down a long way to stop it slipping.   Good luck, once you’ve got the clutch sorted it should be trouble free and reasonably light!   Nick

Submitted by steven_tyrer on Sun, 02/01/2022

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What a transformation in the operation of clutch, after changing the oil to ATF oil increasing the spring tension and cleaning the clutch plates in boiling water with a good dose of washing powder. Gear changing is a lot smother and with the engine hot the problem of the clutch slipping when kick-starting has gone.

Thank you for all the advice and recommendations.

Submitted by nicholas_clarke on Sun, 02/01/2022

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Great to hear Steven, I hope you continue to enjoy your Navigator, they are really great, under appreciated bikes!   You may already have gone down this route, but the most effective single upgrade that I found transformed the reliability, performance and rider enjoyment of mine was upgrading to 12v electrics and Pazon electronic ignition.   Well worth the modest expense!  Nick

Navigator

Yes Nick it is 12 volt and I went for the Boyer ignition also fitted a oil filter, the bike start easy even from cold and the handling is surprisingly good the bike is a pleasure to ride, cruising at 50 to 55 mph it feels very happy but I haven't gone over 60 mph as the new rings are still bedding in (only done 200 miles so far), happy that it is ready for the spring and the good weather :-)

Submitted by nicholas_clarke on Mon, 03/01/2022

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Lovely restoration job Steven and good colour match fro Polychromatic Blue - what colour code / paint did you use?

Nick

 



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