Play in outer clutch basket

Aloha y'all, I'm bringing a 1982 XJ 650 Maxim back to life after it sat for who knows how long. Finally got it on the road for ~150 miles this past weekend with pretty positive results other than the old, soft clutch. So ordered up parts for our sponsor and after removing the side cover and clutch pack I noticed there is some front-to-back play in the outer clutch basket - when I grab it at 3 and 9 o'clock I can pull/push it back and forth ~1mm or so. Is this normal or do I need to remove the inner clutch hub to investigate?

 

I had the same problem and it was the large needle roller bearing behind the clutch nut. Sometimes there would be a screeching sound. That's the most likely cause l think.

 

Oh well, in for a penny in for a pound. New bearing doesn't appear to be too much of a hassle.

 

Yes it is not difficult but replace the clutch bolts when you are in there as they should only be used once.

 

10-4, new bolts/washers along with the springs. Thanks!

 

Say, I measured the clutch nut as 30mm - before I run out to buy a socket that will fit could someone confirm that is the correct size?

 

It is 30mm.

 

Haha, in hindsight I'll need that 30mm socket to torque the nut on later - I reckon someone has been poking around in there before because the center nut was not torqued to 52lbft. Closer to finger tight. So presumably that was part of the problem. New bearing is on the way so hopefully will have everything buttoned up by the weekend.

 

There should be a locking washer on it, was it there?

https://images.cmsnl.com/img/partslists/yamaha-xj650-maxim-1981-b-usa-clutch_bigyau0794c-2_cc33.gif

Part 18.

 

Affirmative, had to hammer down the tabs to get at the nut.

 

Just for fun while I'm waiting for the new bearing to arrive I put the large parts back in and torqued the clutch nut to 52lbft to see if the play went away. It was maybe a little better but I'm hoping the bearing is indeed worn and a new one will eliminate more of the play.

Figured while it was on the lift I might as well check the valve clearance and use the time to order new shims and gaskets. Fingers crossed I'll have it back on the road next weekend.

 

As the nut was not torqued before that would make the side movement worse think. Still better with the new bearing if it has been running with the clutch nut loose. I am surprised it did not make a lot of noise.

 

I don't have a frame of reference since I've only ridden it for a couple hours as is/was but there was a vibration at high rpm that rattled the exhaust heat shield really loud.

 

Good you checked it out because of that nut not tightened up to torque.

 

Yes, nothing like an exploding clutch to ruin an otherwise fine day........

 

like Polocks grenades clutch.

 

Exactly.

 

From what I can see the standard procedure for reassembly includes gasket sealer on the cover side of the gasket but not on the case side? Threadlocker or anti-seize on the ten cover bolts?

 

The clutch basket drives the oil pump so make sure the tangs on the oil pump drive sprocket engage with the slots on the back of the clutch basket. I use a little gasket sealer on the cases and and sieze on the cover bolts. Make sure the clutch operating arm on the clutch cover is properly aligned too or the clutch won't disengage properly.

 

You can use silicone grease (or similar) on the gasket faces (instead of adhesive) to allow for future cover removal w/o tearing the gasket. Threadlocker is not needed on the bolts, and anti-sieze is almost always your friend.

 

Thanks gentlemen, with the new bearing in place and the clutch nut torqued to spec there is ~75% less play so definitely worth the time, effort and expense IMO.