Difficulty Mating Engine and Gearbox

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Hi, Charlie.

Yes, the plates are SD-TEC, and I don't know about the pushrod.  I suppose that Charley might have replaced it, but I don't recall him mentioning that, and I can't call to check with him.  I'll look back through my emails and see if he mentioned this with his invoice.  He was very good at capturing the work required/done when he worked on an item.

Are these pushrods available in different lengths like they are for the CARC bikes?

Thanks,
Shaun

The SD-TEC plates seem to be a little bit thicker than original and other aftermarket plates, enough that two of them can result in the outer body being indented as shown in your photo. MG Cycle sells a 5mm longer pushrod meant for use with the RAM clutch:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=4690
When faced with the same situation, I buy one of those and grind a bit off of one end so that the outer body sits flush or very slightly indented.

[smdl]

The SD-TEC plates seem to be a little bit thicker than original and other aftermarket plates, enough that two of them can result in the outer body being indented as shown in your photo. MG Cycle sells a 5mm longer pushrod meant for use with the RAM clutch:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=4690
When faced with the same situation, I buy one of those and grind a bit off of one end so that the outer body sits flush or very slightly indented.

Okay, the suspense was killing me, so I went out and had a look at the outer and inner body, along with the throwout bearing.  all came out together, and they look just fine.  Nicely greased, turning freely.  Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.

Thanks for the additional info, Charlie, and I'm glad to hear that you have seen something similar in the past.  I'll still check the clutch again, but everything seems to be fine, there, and I'll likely end up ordering the new pushrod. 

Cheers,
Shaun

[Wayne Orwig]

The last couple that I did I used the SD-TEC plates. I believe they did need a small amount of tweaking. Most noticeable though, they needed a LOT of adjustments the first couple hundred miles. The friction material must have a lot of burrs on them or something. But the plates have worked well, even on my EV towing the camper.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thanks for the additional info, Charlie, and I'm glad to hear that you have seen something similar in the past.  I'll still check the clutch again, but everything seems to be fine, there, and I'll likely end up ordering the new pushrod. 

I went a slightly different direction on a local customer's Eldo. Since it's close by and I do all of the maintenance on it, I decided to use it as a "guinea pig". Instead of the longer pushrod, I inserted a 4 mm (5/32") ball bearing in the pushrod hole of the inner body. Same result as the longer pushrod and after nearly 5k miles it seems to be working fine.

[smdl]

Thanks for the info, guys.  I needed a few things from MG, so I just ordered the longer pushrod.

Cheers,
Shaun

[fotoguzzi]

I went a slightly different direction on a local customer's Eldo. Since it's close by and I do all of the maintenance on it, I decided to use it as a "guinea pig". Instead of the longer pushrod, I inserted a 4 mm (5/32") ball bearing in the pushrod hole of the inner body. Same result as the longer pushrod and after nearly 5k miles it seems to be working fine.

GENIUS !
 

[canuck750]

Sounds like you got it figured out Shaun, we need to see some progress pictures!

I have been working through the de-greasing, bead blasting, polishing etc.. stage as I strip the current project, least favorite part of the build.

[Don G]

Visit your local bolt supply store and get a length of 6mm drill rod, make one the desired length for few $.  DonG

[smdl]

Some good ideas, but I have ordered the longer pushrod, and will be installing it over the weekend.  We'll see how it all comes together.

Jim, glad to hear you are making progress on your newest project.  I'll keep the updates on mine coming, but certainly not ask quickly as yours!

Cheers,
Shaun

[harrytief]

Hi Shaun
Happy to come by and lend an extra pair of hands if needed. I just rebuilt the trans in the cx100 adding new SD-TECH plates and stock length push rod with no problem...yet. I have a spare 4mm hub and all the factory tools for spinning the box. Let me know.
Harry

[smdl]

Thanks, Harry.  Everything looks good, so I think I'm okay, bit will double check again and let you know.  Very much appreciated!

Cheers,
Shaun

PS:  Let me know if you still want that oil pump.

[harrytief]

Hi Shaun
Glad it worked out. Just picked up a set of heads for my eldo project. Gord Bush did them and I highly recommend his shop. Mark at MGC is sending a used oil pump from his stash so I'll wait to see what comes. If you want to return yours, then go ahead as Mark felt confident that what he has is drop in.
Harry

[smdl]

Cool, thanks, Harry.

Shaun

[Muzz]

I went a slightly different direction on a local customer's Eldo. Since it's close by and I do all of the maintenance on it, I decided to use it as a "guinea pig". Instead of the longer pushrod, I inserted a 4 mm (5/32") ball bearing in the pushrod hole of the inner body. Same result as the longer pushrod and after nearly 5k miles it seems to be working fine.

My Matchless 350 had that as standard between the pushrod and the clutch cover. Worked for over 200,000 miles. The clutch of course did not have to deal with the pressures of a Guzzi clutch.