Author Topic: clutch job  (Read 5216 times)

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Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« on: November 21, 2003, 03:14:47 AM »
OK, what do I need to know to change the clutch?  Any special tips before I tear into it?  I'm doing this w/out a manual but I do have some experience with those wrench thingies. :roll:
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane

mikesmith

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clutch job
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2003, 06:28:07 AM »
Get steel plates,not aluminum and soak the plates in trans oil before installing them.Rocky Mountain has clutch kits with springs for $34.99,It's so cheap I'm kind of worried about trying one,but I'm going to!

Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2003, 01:30:23 AM »
Yeah.... the Tusk clutch kit.  I'm a bit affraid as well but for 1/3 the cost....  I think it's worth a try too.

Questions:

1- How's the best way to drain the coolant?  Just remove the lower hose?

2- Does the water pump cover need to be removed?  Impeller?  Other parts?

3- Any special tips/tricks on removing the clutch?

I've been wrenching on bikes and cars since I was about 14 (3x that age now.)  So I'm competant but this is new territory.
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane

mikesmith

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clutch job
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2003, 06:29:19 AM »
You know I'm going to do my clutch soon,but I haven't had the cover off in a while.But from what I remember you dont have to pull the water pump cover.You can drain the coolant with the drain plug on the water pump cover or by removing the hose,you dont have to remove the empeller.When you fill it with coolant dont forget to bleed the air out with the air bleed bolt on top of the head.You need to unbolt the power valve arm under the cover above the water pump.And the power valve spring/gear are under the clutch cover so be carefull removing the cover not to drop or force those parts.Laying the bike on it's side helps keep the mess down even though youve drained the trans fluid.Hope this helps,it's a good idea to have a manual,dont over tighten bolts in the aluminum(striped threads).Maybe some one has some more tips.

Rick

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clutch job
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2003, 05:40:01 AM »
A clutch change is really quite simple on a KX500, although not as simple as a KX250 that has the individual clutch pack cover, but simple enough.  Here are some thoughts.

1.   Taking off the kick start lever is a pain.  It is not uncommon to have to tap the base of the lever from the opposite side with a long punch or screwdriver.  Be careful not to damage the case.  Once the lever is off, lube the shaft with WD-40 or other lubricant to help the seal slid over the shaft easily.  When reinstalling the lever, use some brake cleaner in the bolt hole, then some air, and use locktite on the bolt.
2.   The easiest thing to do with the rear brake lever is to remove it.  This also provides an opportunity to clean and lube the shaft during reassembly.
3.   Since you should pull the bottom radiator hose anyway to get the cover free, might as well use a bucket and catch the fluid when you pull the bottom hose.  I hate to remove the water pump drain screw, as I don?t want to risk over tightening with I reinstall.
4.   Mike is correct, lay the bike on the side to avoid any mess.  Leave it on its side for about an hour before you start, and all the oil should drip/drain to the opposite.
5.   Buy a gasket before you start.  While I have reused many paper side cover gaskets, the paper gaskets can cause some consternation if they tear.
6.   Don?t use the springs that come with your new kit.  I have found that the new springs are always heavier than the stock springs, so keep the stock springs.
7.   Don?t over tighten the clutch basket bolts with your 10mm.  Don?t use an impact here, but rather use a T-handle or better yet, a torque wrench (which most folks do not have).  You can do a fine job with a T-handle, just be careful.  Also, to loosen the bolts, you may need to place something between the two gears to hold the clutch basket in place (I use the end of a tooth brush that I use in the parts washer.  Works when tightening as well, and allows a good feel during tightening.
8.   The power valve spring/gear is going to fall out, so just count on it.  However, since you have wrenched for awhile, just take a look at it and you?ll see how it goes back into place.  Might have to add a spot of grease to keep it in place.
9.   Don?t mess with the water pump bolts, except the one that needs to come out to remove the cover.  However, if you have an older bike, now is a good time to slap in a new water pump seal.
10.   After you are done with the clutch replacement, change the oil.  Your old oil will be contaminated by the aluminum clutch plates (I hate those things).

Well, that?s it, should be able to finish the job while watching Speed Vision on the tube.  It usually takes about 30 minutes in the garage for clutch maintenance, but I have done a few, but you should be able to be done in an hour.

Happy wrenching.

Rick

Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2003, 12:29:58 PM »
Rick

That's great info!  One question..... what do ya do to unhook the power valve linkage on the outside of the cover?
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane

Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2003, 12:32:34 PM »
One more item... I look up in the exhaust port and it's wide open.  Should the valve be out in the port  or retracted?
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane

Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2003, 01:17:21 AM »
I spent some time last night surfing around looking for KIPS info.  Man am I ignert on it's operation.

Anywho..... it looks like ya grab the shaft coming out of the clutch cover w/a pair of pliars and remove the left hand threaded nut.  At least that's how it was described at a KDX website.

(Honest guys.... I do know how to spin wrenches. :wink: )
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane

Offline John

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clutch job
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2003, 08:48:08 AM »
Crim,

That's a mean looking bike! I didn't know Kawasaki made V-twin two-strokers!

Some data from the service manual which might be useful;

Standard + service limit in parenthesis

Friction plate thickness 2.92-3.08 (2.8) mm
Friction plate/clutch housing clearance 0.35-0.60 (0.9 mm)
Clutch spring free length service limit 32.6 (31.1)

The torque for the clutch bolts is 9.3Nm / 0.95 kg-m / 82 in-lb) which ever suits your location.

While you are at it, check that the rod that goes in the cylinder head (for the KIPS valve) moves with ease. There should be none or very little friction. And check the clutch housing and hub for cracks.

When mounting, start with a friction plate and make sure they are oily.

Cheers,

//John

Offline John

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clutch job
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2003, 08:50:11 AM »
The smiley should read "two point eight" mm...

//John

Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« Reply #10 on: November 26, 2003, 12:59:08 AM »
Quote from: John
While you are at it, check that the rod that goes in the cylinder head (for the KIPS valve) moves with ease.


The rod is tight as bark on a tree.  I grabbed it with pliers and it only had maybe 1mm of in/out.

Guess I'll stop by the Kaw shop at lunch today and pick up a repair book.  The pooh is getting deep. :cry:
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane

Offline John

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clutch job
« Reply #11 on: November 26, 2003, 08:39:57 AM »
Crim,

I don't think Kawasaki would appreciate if I scan the pages and post them in the forum (copyright Kawasaki Heavy Industries and all), but if you send me an email I might be able to help you in a different way... You can find my email in the members section as I am reluctant to spell it out because of spam.

Boy you are up for a treat when you have the KIPS valve sorted!

//John

Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« Reply #12 on: November 27, 2003, 12:49:06 PM »
John

I couldn't find your e-mail so here's mine:

gwcrim@yahoo.com
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane

Rick

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clutch job
« Reply #13 on: November 28, 2003, 03:12:38 AM »
Crim,

I appears that you are going to find power valves tha are stuck in place.  Here is a few tips that might help in your power valve surgery:

1.  Once you have the cylinder off (with the head still attached), remover the plate and two bolts holding the exhaust ramp in place.
2. Remove the philips head screw that holds the rod in place, as well as the plug at the opposite end of the rod.  Spray some type of lubricant (WD-40 or other) into the exhaust port, and onto/around/down beside every moving part of the power vavle.  If it's really stuck, this will help you move things around.  Don't be afraid to use plenty, as you will just wash it off later.
3. Using a pair of vise grips, clamp onto the idle gear (you have three shafts protruding from the bottom of the cylinder, and the idle gear is the middle one) and pull it out of the cylinder.  Don't pry against the bottom of the cylinder, just pull straight up.  You will need to use a fine file to clean the shaft later.  Removal of the iddle gear will eliminate any issue with the correspoding drum vavle.
4. Grab the shaft on the drum vavle on the other side, and pull up about 3/4 inch, just enough to allow the activating rod to be removed.
5. Gently tap the end of the activating rod to get it to move out of position. If the lone drum vavle tries to turn, you don't have it up far enough, so pull up a little more.  You might have to pull the other drum vavle up the same height to keep the exhaust ramp from binding, but this will become apparant during disassembly.
6. Once the activating rod is out, pull both drum valves out, walking the eshaust ramp out one side at a time (you will find later that the bottom of each drum valve is connected to the exhaust ramp, which is why you have to pull the drum vavles up together).  I doubt you're going to be able to turn the valves until they are pulled out a little, so you will need to work with the exhaust ramp in the exhaust port to get it out.  Once the drum valves are disconnected from the exhaust ramp, you can pull them all the way out, as well as the exhaust ramp.
7. Now comes the hard part, the cleanup of all of the power valve parts and holes.  The parts: Try starting with some oven cleaner.  If things are really crusty, this will not work, and you will need to head for the wire brush on the bench grinder.  You'll just know when all of the carbon is gone.  Make sure you wear safety glasses, as carbon is going to fly everywhere.
8. The holes:  Well, this is a lot more trouble, as you will likely find a lot of crusty buildup in the drum holes.  The best method is to use a dremel tool with the flexible extension and a wire brush bit.  The flexible end allows you to get all the way to the bottom of the holes.  However, if you don't have a dremel tool, you can use a large drill bit.  Simply wrap 180 grit sandpaper, rough side out, around the bit using duct tape.  You will have made a hone that you can use to clean the inside of the holes.  Don't take off too much material.  Also, either grind your drill bit flat on the end, or wrap some duct tape over the bottom so the bit can not drill into the cylinder.  Either method will also work to clean up the other holes for the other parts.  Clean everything with spray carb cleaner or parts washer, and IMMEDIATELY wash the cylinder with soap and water and then rinse with warm water.  Blow off all the exess water with an air hose, including all the ports and hidden areas.  Again, safety glasses.
9. Use a little two stroke oil to lube the drum valves during reassembly.

Good luck.  If your power valve is really stuck, this is going to take quite some time, so be patient.  Also, if you have a video camera, take some pictures of the cylinder, especially inside the exhaust port, before you begin.  You can also set the camera up on a tripod on the bench to video the disassembly just in case.  If you get stuck, check back with us at the forum.  There are almost no problems we can't help get you through.

Rick

Offline gwcrim

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clutch job
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2003, 04:03:20 AM »
Hey!  Thanks for the info.  I 'spose I'll tear into the top end this weekend so I can get one BIG parts order list coming.
~Crim~
You raise the blade
You make the change
You rearrange me 'til I'm sane