While doing a clutch adjustment the other day, I noticed two of the four bolts holding the clutch plates in were loose. Does anyone lock tight them down? This was the first time I have been inside the derby cover other than to add oil

Thanks
Jack

 

I have never locktighted them down, they should be under pressure from the spring and not need it.

 

Almost all bolts are under tension when tight...right?

You could try new bolts, they may come with the proper threadlocker on them. Don`t use a high strength locktite, stick with low strength.

 

No, not all bolts are under tension when tight, that is why spring washers and loctite were invented.......

 

I didn`t say all bolts were under tension, I said "almost all bolts are under tension".

Pointing out the fact that just because a bolt is under tension does not mean it will not loosen.

 

Were you adjusting the clutch with the bike hot or cold?

 

The word tension means.......
The state of being stretched tight.

Need I say more?

 

I was doing it while it was hot...does that make a difference?

 

Yes, it makes all the difference in the world. Always do clutch adjustment when the bike is cold (room temp.). Do it before you ride or wait a day. If the engine is hot, parts have expanded. You'll never get it accurately and you'll have many shifting problems.

I know how it is. You see the bike and want to ride and then work on it later. Some things have to be done with a cold engine though! Don't forget to torque the jamnut. 12ft lbs will do it.

Try it again and let us know how it goes.

P.S. If you don't have a factory service manual they are a great investment.

 

The thought that adjusting your clutch when it is hot means you will have many shifting issues is quite bizarre, and completely untrue.
It makes zero difference(in actual performance), and actually ensures that the dynamics that have to be allowed for when adjusting cold are no longer in play, as expansion has already occurred.
The amount of freeplay mandated allows for such expansion, and so can definitively be reduced(fractionally only) when the condition that necessitates such clearances already exists.
I do recommend 243 on those bolts. It is not uncommon for the towers that they mount into to become broken away, or at least cracked, preventing the fasteners from exerting their maximum effectiveness.