Fitting new clutch plates.

[northwind]

I don't know if I've imagined this, as I can't find any mention in the service manual, but I seem to remember seeing something recommending that new friction plates be soaked in oil before being fitted... Am I just hallucinating technical advice again? I've fitted and removed SV clutches before but always with used plates. I'll definately fit them wet but is soaking still recommended? If so, how long?

While I'm at it, is there anything else i should be considering when fitting new plates? A break-in process?

[yorkie_chris]

If there is I've never heard of it, I would oil them when fitting though.

I'd also advise against clutching it up in 3rd for at least a few hours running, but that's just mechanical sympathy showing through...

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

If there is I've never heard of it, I would oil them when fitting though.

I'd also advise against clutching it up in 3rd for at least a few hours running, but that's just mechanical sympathy showing through...

I've heard it too. 24hrs I believe, in engine oil.

Mechanical sympathy????? YC??????????

its hanes that says to soak them for 24 hours before fitting.

It is a method, but as Chris said you can just oil them well.

[jambo]

My understanding of this is that it was more important when actual cork was used on the friction plates. I believe most plates are now Kevlar, so won't absorb the oil in the same way. But it's possible I've mis-understood.

While you've got the plates out, check the basket for wear, when they get notches knocked in the outer faces the clutch starts feeling very inconsistent.

Jambo

Last clutch pates I did, just oiled 'em and fitted 'em (with new springs) they were fine, Jambo makes a good point about checking the basket for wear/witness marks though, there's usually some roughness there.......

[northwind]

Yeha, the basket should be alright I think, I swapped the old one for a relatively tidy one about 5000 miles ago.

Thnaks folks!