Vh500 clutch

[will_curry]

Are you sure the inserts are indeed cork? They look more like the later 1954-on 'klingerite' inserts
to me. If they are klingerite they will certainly need the stronger springs.How far in are you
screwing the clutch spring nuts? The thread on the stud wants to be more-or-less level with the top
of the nut.

As I understand it postwar, Ariel used a regular spring 3405-36 for cork plates and a harder
spring 3405-50 for the neoprene (competition) plates. This latter seems to have been replaced
in 1954 in the HS and Huntmaster with another, harder spring 3405-54 to suit 'klingerite' plates.
It's this latter which DraganFly list and which they claim is suitable for 'all' plates.

I measured 3 sets of clutch springs a while ago. All were more-or-less 42mm long
and wound with 7 turns. One set had a wire of just over 2mm thickness
and the other two had a wire thickness of around 1.6mm.

[Alan G]

Do you mean the basket moves in and out by 3 mm with the clutch centre in place? Sounds like the thrust washers are missing, unless you have a lot of mainshaft end float.

How much does the clutch centre move in and out?

I have attached a video, easier than explaining. Be aware it is 37mb (sorry) so it may take a few seconds to play.

[simon.holyfield]

Looks like the mainshaft nut is loose, as Nev suggested. Have a look in the kickstart case - I think the permissible end float is 1/32" - 1/64"?

[Alan G]

Are you sure the inserts are indeed cork? They look more like the later 1954-on 'klingerite' inserts
to me. If they are klingerite they will certainly need the stronger springs.How far in are you
screwing the clutch spring nuts? The thread on the stud wants to be more-or-less level with the top
of the nut.

They were screwed in as you describe - more or less flush. Everything s locked away now, but was pretty sure they were cork - will have a look tomorrow, but 90% they are cork.

[Alan G]

Looks like the mainshaft nut is loose, as Nev suggested. Have a look in the kickstart case - I think the permissible end float is 1/32" - 1/64"?

Is the 'main shaft nut' the one in this drawing circled in red - or is it elsewhere? In the gearbox (kick starter case?)?

[simon.holyfield]

It's in the kickstart case, which is the outermost part of the gearbox on the other side of the bike from the clutch - what year is your VH?

It's right in the middle of this picture, with the clutch pushrod sticking out. This is a CP box on my W/NG.

[Alan G]

...- what year is your VH?

Depends which bit you are pointing at

The chassis is '46, the engine casings are '58 (from the engine number), the barrel and head are earlier with separate chrome pushrod tubes.

[Alan G]

I'll have a look at taking the side off the gearbox tomorrow - but must confess to being a bit nervous.... I am imagining the kick starter return spring pinging off into the sunset and a grand avalanche of roller and ball bearings making for the dirtiest corner of my garage.

That photo is very helpful. Thanks.

[simon.holyfield]

You've probably got a BA box - do you want to tell me the gearbox number, stamped on the top?

If so, it will look much like the CP in my picture. Have you had the kickstart case off before?

Before you go there though, have a look at the clutch centre nut. Is it tight?

[simon.holyfield]

I'll have a look at taking the side off the gearbox tomorrow - but must confess to being a bit nervous.... I am imagining the kick starter return spring pinging off into the sunset and a grand avalanche of roller and ball bearings making for the dirtiest corner of my garage.

That photo is very helpful. Thanks.

The secret is to leave the kickstart and gear levers in place, strap the kickstart lever to the gear lever and make sure the kickstart quadrant comes out with the cover...

Check the clutch centre nut first, to make sure we have covered the easy stuff!