SD-TEC clutch plates quick question

[Thirtyaughtsix]

So I'm wanting to replace my 43 year old clutch and hub with this kit here:

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4766

Mgcycle mentions "The plates in these kits are currently running approximately 8.3mm thick, which is a little bit thicker than the 8.0mm normal thickness." and I was wondering is this is anything at all I have to worry about, accommodate, adjust for elsewhere etc. I imagine it probably performs different and hopefully better than the oem plates right?

[jwinwi]

Just make sure the adjustment screw in the actuation arm (on the back of the trans) is long enough to get full disengagement before the arm contacts the trans.

[Wayne Orwig]

I have used those plates in four later models bikes with not real issues.

One oddity that I encountered in all cases, is that about 100 miles after you 'break them in', so to speak, you need to make a pretty significant cable adjustment. I suspect that the friction material just has a few burrs on it that are getting cleaned off.

Other then that, they appear to be a great product.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

As MG Cycles' blurb states, there can be issues on some bikes. Several times I've needed (to make) a slightly longer clutch pushrod to achieve full disengagement of the clutch, no matter how far the adjuster screw was threaded in. My advice would to be to buy the "Alternate clutch out body, double o-ring, slightly longer" along with the plates.
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=4793
That takes care of the extra thickness issue and the extra o-ring helps prevent leakage from the throw-out bore.

If you buy their springs too: http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=351 there can also be an issue with the clutch dragging  when used with the SD-TEC plates. With the slightly thicker plates, I believe they can become "coil bound" and won't allow complete release of the clutch. I've found it necessary in a few instances to grind or sand ~ 1 mm off of one end of the springs. 

[Thirtyaughtsix]

Excellent stuff here, thank you

[wirespokes]

 I put them (plates and springs) in my 87 LeMans and am really happy with them. When I first started the bike up, the clutch wouldn't release and I thought I'd done something wrong. All of the adjustments were totally slack, yet the clutch wouldn't release. I decided, what the hell, and did a test ride with it that way, and within a few miles it was fine, no problems since.

Like Wayne said, a pretty significant cable adjustment was needed shortly afterwards.

[Thirtyaughtsix]

As MG Cycles' blurb states, there can be issues on some bikes. Several times I've needed (to make) a slightly longer clutch pushrod to achieve full disengagement of the clutch, no matter how far the adjuster screw was threaded in. My advice would to be to buy the "Alternate clutch out body, double o-ring, slightly longer" along with the plates.
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=4793
That takes care of the extra thickness issue and the extra o-ring helps prevent leakage from the throw-out bore.

If you buy their springs too: http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=351 there can also be an issue with the clutch dragging  when used with the SD-TEC plates. With the slightly thicker plates, I believe they can become "coil bound" and won't allow complete release of the clutch. I've found it necessary in a few instances to grind or sand ~ 1 mm off of one end of the springs.

Should I buy new springs you think? Mine appeared perfectly fine when I went through there, had a 4 decade patina of course

[Matt Story]

Thirty,  do you have a clutch alignment tool?

[Thirtyaughtsix]

Thirty,  do you have a clutch alignment tool?

I do not, mgcycle is currently sold out on their variety too I think

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Should I buy new springs you think? Mine appeared perfectly fine when I went through there, had a 4 decade patina of course

There is a minimum free length spec. for the clutch springs (just from memory it's 28 mm?). If they measure up to this spec., then I reuse them sometimes.

An old clutch hub with suitable spacer, bolt and washer works perfectly to align and compress the clutch. That's all I've ever used.

[Matt Story]

I do not, mgcycle is currently sold out on their variety too I think

If you can wait a couple days and are willing to get the shipping I can get you one.  I designed one to be 3D printed.  Have several on hand.  So far, I'm the only one to use it.  Tested it about 30 times.  It works well.  I'm looking for someone else to try it out and give some feedback.