Norton Commando Workshop Manual

## Engine/Primary Transmission

# C

### SECTION C35

### CLUTCH OPERATING MECHANISM

The clutch is connected from the left handlebar control to the clutch operating lever within the gearbox cover. As the lever is withdrawn, the clutch operating lever is lifted, exerting pressure on a ball bearing against the end of the clutch push rod. The push rod forces outwards the centre of the diaphragm spring, relieving the pressure and allowing the clutch plates to separate. For the clutch to operate correctly, the degree of free movement on the cable and clutch push rod must be controlled. Excessive slack may prevent the clutch freeing completely and excessively tight adjustment will result in the clutch plates being held apart. Adjustment is provided on the cable and push rod.
Clutch Adjustment
1 | Slacken cable adjustment at the handlebar control as far as possible.
2 | Remove the clutch adjuster inspection cap from the chaincase.
3 | Remove the inspection cap from the gearbox end cover.
4 | With the index finger, move the clutch operating lever to and fro inside the gearbox cover to establish whether or not there is slight movement. If there is, clutch push rod adjustment is correct. If there is not, rectify as follows.
5 | Release nut (B) in Fig. C46 then turn the screw (C) gently anti-clockwise until movement is felt on the right side operating lever.
6 | Turn screw (C) in a clockwise direction until it is felt that the screw just touches the push rod.
7 | Unscrew adjustment screw (C) one full turn and, holding in this position retighten locknut (B). This ensures the correct free movement on the clutch push rod.
8 | Adjust the clutch cable at the control to provide 3/16 in. to 1/4 in. (4.76 to 6.35 m m) free movement between the cable outer casing and adjuster.

### CLUTCH PLATES

The clutch dismantling procedure is covered as part of Section C13 "Dismantling Primary Transmission and Clutch." However, it is sometimes considered necessary to remove the plates separately for inspection.
To gain access to the clutch plates, follow Section C13 & C14 items 1 to 9. Next remove the clutch pressure plate followed alternately by the internal splined friction plates and external splined plain steel plates.
After removal, wash all the clutch plates and the pressure plate in gasoline (petrol) until perfectly clean, then allow to dry.
Reassembly is a reversal of the foregoing but full instructions are given in Section C33.
Plate Inspection
Examine the friction plates for obvious wear to the splines and for "charring" of the surface such as would occur during prolonged clutch slip. Examine the plain steel driven plates for deep scoring or grooving. Check the external splines for obvious wear, and check each plate in turn on a surface plate for flatness. Any badly worn or distorted plates must be renewed before reassembly.

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