Mille Clutch Binding

[Steve]

Sorry BobJ, I've sent this to you as an email regarding my Millenium 90, and it probably wasn't the best forum to ask the question, so here it is again for open discussion...

I'm having problems with clutch binding at tick over. I've fiddled with the engine/clutch alignment which has made no difference. I've fitted the spacer ring (which was previuosly missing) which has made a slight improvement, but the blades still spin at tick-over on the ground. My previous Mille didn't suffer from this at all. I've also tried revving the engine with the blades gripped stationary to see if the clutch needs bedding in. That made a slight improvement as well. Maybe I should do it some more? What do you think?

[Stuart]

Have you tried to change the clutch with a new one...if your running an old clutch it may be ready for a change.

[Steve]

Cheers Stuart, I've got a spare clutch kicking around somewhere. It had crossed my mind already, but I haven't got around to trying it - I'll give it a go.

Any other alternative ideas?

[3dbasher]

the shoes hinge points may have stretched give it a go, milli cluthch system was always pants

[Steve]

Have now fitted a new (old) clutch - will give it a whirl tomorrow.

[AndersUK]

If the alignment has been checked and the bell spins freely then check and make sure the hub and/or the woodruff key the clutch fits onto is not worn. It should be a very snug fit without any vertical, lateral or rotational play. If that is ok then its most likely the clutch

[Ade_Law]

are you 100% sure the alignment is right?

best way to check is to spin the main gear backwards by hand then slowly push the fan round with another finger. if it grabs at any point around the engines revolution then the alignment is wrong.

try loosening the pinion bolts, and starting the engine. then move the pinion block around until it doesnt grip at idle. once its in the right place tighten the pinion bearing bolts.

if you cant get it perfect like that then you have a clutch/liner issue. Is it a new liner?

Ade

[Steve]

There is no binding at all between the clutch and the bell housing when it's turned by hand on the bench. It only happens when the engine is running, which kinda suggests that the clutch is expanding prematurely once it's spinning. The clutch that I've put in this week is out of an old Mille which didn't suffer from this problem.

I'll give it a go this afternoon.

[Steve]

Ok, been up the field and had a couple of thrashes around with the Millennium in very windy conditions this afternoon. It's a lot betterer now.

Chears.