650 clutch cover reassembly question

As soon as I'm done polishing and buffing the clutch cover on my 650 Maxim, I'll be putting the thing back together. Both the rubber ring that sits behind the clutch "cap" and the two grommets from inside the cover are in pretty decent shape. They're all still reasonably flexible although there's a small amount of pitting on the bottom side of the grommet flanges.

Is this thing at all prone to leaking? If so, I'm sure a thin coating of RTV on those grommets would alleviate it. I'd rather not, of course, in case I need to take it apart again.

Thanks.

 

I would lube them with silicone lube and be sure to only apply sealant to one side of the other gasket, enabling you to remove the cover in the future without having to replace the gasket. Be sure to snug it up evenly by tightening opposite sides....then it should be ok.

jeff

 

He's not talking about the actual cover gasket; he's talking about the goofy secondary cover insert and it's big weird neoprene gasket. Or is that what you're talking about too?

I would say a dab of RTV on the two inside bolt grommets couldn't hurt if you're not replacing them. Those two holes are the only potential "leak points" the big gaskety-thing doesn't actually seal anything.

 

Yes, the cover insert/cap is what I'm talking about. I think I'll hit those grommets with some of this real good Permatex Ultra-Black that I have. Can't say I've noticed these bikes leaking oil there, but I've never really looked for it. I didn't realize it was actually "assembled" until I had one myself.

It is a strange design, isn't it? Why would you place unnecessary fasteners inside the clutch housing that could potentially come loose? Makes me want to put the screws in with some Loctite now that I think about it.

Thanks!

 

Release pinion orientation?

One more question on this: When I removed the clutch push lever axle/rod, I didn't realize that the release pinion was not symmetrical. The teeth are "cut back" more on one side than on the other. I assume that side gets installed towards the bottom of the shaft but I wanted to be sure before reassembling. I can't find anything in the manual that describes it and the online parts diagram that I'm looking at isn't high enough resolution for me to be able to tell.

Thanks.

 

Yep.
Toward the Bottom.
It helps the Pinion Gear engage the slotted Push Rod ( Should be called a Pull Rod ) which controls the Pressure Plate.

 

Thanks, Rick!