To Soak, Smear, Or Dry ???

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by clive1, Sep 9, 2020.

  1. clive1

    clive1 Member

    Aug 31, 2020
    33
    18
    South West Wales
    New 7 plate clutch kit for an old (ish) 1967 Bonny T120
    Hello this forum's Wizards out there,
    Am just about ready to fit the upgrade of a 7 plate clutch to my 1967 bonny
    anyone fitted one ?, and if so
    my question is,
    do you soak the drive plates in oil ?
    I will be using Castrol classic TQF oil in the primary
    and could soak the plates in the oil before fitting
    I have heard some say they fit them dry,
    others just smear them lightly in oil,
    others say soak them for an hour or so,
    the fibre on these plates is very thin (in order to get 7 plates in the unit)
    and I would think that a dry fit could "scorch" them,
    before the primary oil has penetrated between the plates,
    The forum wizards advice will be appreciated
    Thanks Team
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Useful Useful x 1
  2. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    It should not make too much difference but most folk probably ensure they are well oiled on assembly (it’s known on here as a ‘Dilligaf). They oil up pdq on startup! Like Dilligaf :neutral:
     
    • Funny Funny x 4
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. dilligaf

    dilligaf Guest

    You can’t beat a good oil up :p
     
    • Funny Funny x 4
    • Agree Agree x 2
  4. Rocker

    Rocker Elite Member

    May 1, 2016
    1,662
    800
    Suffolk
    Fit them dry mate the oil in the primary case is only to lube the chain
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Disagree Disagree x 1
  5. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    Beg to differ! The chain certainly needs lubrication but so does a multiplate wet clutch. I really don’t think pre-oiling is strictly necessary but does no harm as we go into autumn and have a bike that may see little use before the spring......it ensures the steel plates remain largely rust free from any internal condensation.
     
    • Thanks Thanks x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  6. Rocker

    Rocker Elite Member

    May 1, 2016
    1,662
    800
    Suffolk
    It's not a wet multi plate clutch it's a dry clutch which can put up with a small amount of oil the early bsa a10 had a bolt on cover over the clutch to keep all oil away from the plates
     
    • Thanks Thanks x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  7. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    I stand corrected. In the mid 70s my friend had a T120v that he carefully oiled ....... he was pretty clued up. I assumed!
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
  8. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,479
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    They are indeed a dry clutch but they do get spray from the chain and it does mot affect them at all. Personally i do lightly oil my plates just to aid the first start up. Never had any problems in over 30 years.
    Regards
    Joe.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  9. clive1

    clive1 Member

    Aug 31, 2020
    33
    18
    South West Wales
    Hi Joe,
    that is info from someone who has been there done it got the tee shirt
    exactly the definitive answer I was looking for,
    Will follow your practice
    Thanks everyone who has replied
    Clive1
     
    • Like Like x 2
  10. Iceman

    Iceman Crème de la Crème

    Apr 19, 2020
    2,421
    1,000
    Lancashire
    #10 Iceman, Sep 14, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2020
    Hi all, Rockers reply is spot on the oil in the chaincase is to lube the primary chain only, a mistake is overfilling the chaincase and oil then gets on the clutch plates, then you will get the inevitable clutch slip. Setting up the clutch correctly is vital, springs, cups, screws etc all need to be tip top, (springs the same length) and pushrod true and contact tip not worn. Don't make the mistake of oiling the plates in any way shape or form. If you can run to the cost I would fit one of SRMs clutch kits, it will give you one finger operation and lovely smooth gear changes. When setting up the clutch if you don't have a DTI, kick it over (with plugs removed of course) and check the run out you can then adjust to near perfect by eye. A lot of people use ATF fluid in the primary case, but just enough for lubing the chain. Hope this helps.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  11. Rocker

    Rocker Elite Member

    May 1, 2016
    1,662
    800
    Suffolk
    I've got just as many tee shirts as Joe:laughing:
     
    • Funny Funny x 2
Loading...
Similar Threads - Soak Smear Dry
  1. Neil1970
    Replies:
    13
    Views:
    1,589

Share This Page