Ian: I vaguely remember a discussion in Guzziology, I think, concerning the transmission housing and the engine on some of the loops being out of alignment, which may help the clutch hang up. No idea about what you'd do about this. I'd get a magnifying glass and very carefully inspect the input hub and flywheel teeth looking for clues. Something makes the clutch plates hang and suddenly engage; how about input hub and flywheel teeth (tooth) lubrication; a little spline lube might be helpful here. You might go for another set of springs, if you have access to have them tested. Are there some clutch friction discs that are grabbier than others, like brakes? I'm sure you'll let us know what you find out.
John Prusnek
I recently bought an Eldo which had a grabby (very grabby when
warm) clutch in first gear. Many of you put your 2 pennies in hoping to get that coveted prize (bragging rights).
The general concensus was that the problem would be the tranny input hub. My thought was a warped intermediate plate. Maybe springs that had different spring forces? Bad clutch plates?
OK....Ed and I pulled the engine this morn and pulled the tranny. Input hub...perfect with no discernable wear. Clutch plates looked new and the teeth were good. Intermediate plate looked fine as did all the other bits and pieces in there. The only thing was that there appeared to be quite a bit of brownish dust in there which I figure must be from the clutch plates. The push rod was straight and looked well lubed.
Any thoughts or suggestions? Any way I sort this out without having to reassemble the engine and give it a go?