Oil on V700 clutch

[veltro_nero]

Well, in the process of stripping down my new (to me) V700, I discovered completely ruined (with gear oil), brand new clutch plates. I know they're pretty much trashed, but has anyone had any luck cleaning with some sort of solvent and reusing? If they were used I'd just toss them and replace , it's the fact that they're brand new that really bothers me. I can't wrap my head around the guy who did all this work in the 70's (see blog for backstory) not having the foresight to change the transmission input seal. I pretty much know what the answer will be, but figured I'd toss it out there anyway.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I successfully cleaned pretty new clutch plates with mineral spirits while they were still in the bike. If I had them out looking at them, I'd probably just put new ones in. 120 bux or so, and you know you won't have to go back in again if it doesn't work. 

[Aaron D.]

Make sure to change the clutch pushrod seals, use o rings! That's usually the culprit, and if it has the original conical seals, they may have been new when the clutch was done so don't be too hard on the guy.

[veltro_nero]

Make sure to change the clutch pushrod seals, use o rings! That's usually the culprit, and if it has the original conical seals, they may have been new when the clutch was done so don't be too hard on the guy.

Will do, Aaron. Everything on the bike will be getting new gaskets and seals. It sat for about 40 years, so even if the stuff was replaced way back when, the age and sitting idle I'm sure ruined most rubber stuff, plus I'd like to use modern components like Viton seals.

FWIW, I hit the discs with brake cleaner after taking them off and scrubbed them down a little. I think I may try acetone or mineral spirits, as suggested, as well and see where it goes.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Will do, Aaron. Everything on the bike will be getting new gaskets and seals. It sat for about 40 years, so even if the stuff was replaced way back when, the age and sitting idle I'm sure ruined most rubber stuff, plus I'd like to use modern components like Viton seals.

FWIW, I hit the discs with brake cleaner after taking them off and scrubbed them down a little. I think I may try acetone or mineral spirits, as suggested, as well and see where it goes.

I'd probably try a good soaking and scrubbing with Super Clean. That seems to remove oil and gum better than most anything else.

If you want 6 of the o-rings, I buy them in bulk and will send you some for free. The original "seal" was just a tight fitting plastic tube, make sure you remove that from the bore of the layshaft.

[wymple]

Solvent naptha, hexane is even better. Hexane will suck the oil out of anything, and fast. Not sure where you'd get it, I used it industrially. Carb cleaner would work, starting fluid for sure.

[guzzista]

I have had decent luck warming the clutch discs in the oven and had the oil " sweat" off the fiber. This was done about 3- 4 times over at  about 300 degrees, wiping the oil sweat with mineral spirits afterwards. Of course the wife was not home and it did stink up the kitchen. If you feel comfortable with that ... as for me I am with Chuck on installing new discs, and I wouldn't forget the O rings Charlie offered

[Chuck in Indiana]

It sat for about 40 years,

Probably a warranty problem..

[veltro_nero]

Thank you all for the suggestions, looks like I have a decent range of chemical cocktails to try, along with heat (I'm not going to even attempt the oven, but I will use my heat gun) before tossing them aside and buying new.

Charlie I'll be taking you up on that offer, though I want to knock out the engine before I tackle the trans.

[BigDave in PA]

When your done with the chemicals put them in a pot of water and boil them for about half an hour. The oil scum will be on top of the water. Scoop the oil out of the water before you remove them. Your better half will be temporarily happy thinking you're cooking supper.