I'm hoping someone out there can help me! I'm rebuilding my MC16 from a box of bits I inherited. I've stripped the engine, checked it all over and rebuilt it using the original clutch basket, plates and springs etc as they all measured up within limits. The engine is now back in the frame but when I actuate the clutch lever, it doesn't appear to free the clutch. I've left the clutch housing off and the basket is moving as it should etc but if I turn the flywheel the final drive sprocket still turns? Is it because I haven't filled it with oil yet? It's like the plates are sticking but as I said I've had them all out, and separated? Any help would be greatfuly appreciated as I'm desperate to fire her up but don't want to put oil etc in until I've resolved the clutch issue! Thanks.

I may be speaking out of turn here (I'm sure that I will be corrected promptly if so!!) but IF it is like the MC21 (I feel sure that it is) then you may find that you have lost the little steel ball that fits into the steel cup, and is pushed by the clutch rod to free the plates.
If the ball is missing then the clutch won't operate correctly.
Have a look at the exploded diagram on the 'parts' section on this site.

Mike
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I don't mind dying...I just don't want to be there when it happens!


Last edited by Hobbit210 on Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:03 pm; edited 1 time in total

Mike, I thought of that too, I've checked and its still there. The basket moves far enough for all of the plates to be moved apart. The plates do however need a little poking with a small screw driver to get them to separate, however this is with the motor not running. With the clutch pulled in, the basket fully pushed out against the springs, and the plates all manually separated I still can't turn the drive sprocket at all (ie it feels as if the clutch is still fully engaged, and this is born out by the fact that if I turn the flywheel the final drive sprocket still turns.

Have you actually tried it with the chain on. Again I might be a mile out but the clutch will always tend to drag a little, especially when cold giving the appearance that it is not releasing.
Mike
_________________
I don't mind dying...I just don't want to be there when it happens!

Hi Mike,

I'd tried that and it still wasn't releasing, however I think I've solved the problem! The anti judder washer (I think thats what its called) was fitted upside down!! I've now refitted it and the clutch seems to release normally, still seems a little draggy but I suspect once its been in use a bit it will free off.

Thanks for your inputs though, it was your prompt about the ball bearing that made me triple check it was there and that was when I realised the anti judder shim was in wrong!!

Thanks again Mike

Paul

Glad to hear you got it sorted.
I'll watch out for that one when my dry clutch assembly arrives from NZ.

Mike
_________________
I don't mind dying...I just don't want to be there when it happens!