I bought a used 1999 Drifter 1500 clutch assembly that appears new. All the plates, springs, and bearings have a light coating of oil due to them supposedly coming from a new motor that was never used. Here are some shots of it but is there anything I should look at in order to determine if I can install it in my bike in spring? I only have about 13,000 miles but the clutch cable is way out towards the end.
Dave
I'm sorry...did you say clutch cable? 1500's have hydraulic clutch systems. Meanwhile...look at the basket, inside at the lugs for signs of the plates digging into the aluminum, look at the internal lugs on the plates for signs of wear on the faces, and lastly, I've been told, (and I did it with my '01) put a mean streak pressure plate in instead of the stocker. There are a few other things recommended, like Judge washers.
Hydraulic, you're correct. There is no sign of wear at all. I've seen all of the write-ups about stronger pressure plates and washers. What I am concerned about is if the friction plates are 1999 issue, would they become soft or degraded from being soaked with oil for all this time. I don't see anything but If I put them in and apply the clutch would the friction plates come apart from being too soft?
Dave
As mentioned, the Drifters have a hydraulic clutch, so if your lever adjustment is all the way out I'd be looking to change the master cylinder (on your left handlebar) fluid and making sure the little hole inside has no gunk in it (a pin works well for clearing anything out of there).
The friction plates are pretty tough on these bikes, but the spring and it's holder is the weak link usually. Upgrading to the Meanstreak spring with the later 2 piece holders is recommended. This thread should help: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=1170.0
Actually, for the spring replacement I recommend using the newest spring with two holders... this is what is on all the latest vulcan 1500/1600's. The two holders and the upgraded spring plate work very well and are actually engineered for our bikes.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/clutchparts.html
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=454&cat=67
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=464&cat=67
BUT... when you open up the box, ensure you measure the plates and clutch pack and bring it back into spec.