Dragging clutch
My BSA A10’s clutch drags from cold, hot or, in fact, anytime. The cable is adjusted properly, so where do I go next?
Mr A Rolfe, East Anglia.
The following thoughts are based on experience of clutch freeing problems, but isn’t an exhaustive list and it is worth noting BSA clutches will drag if one slides them for long periods in heavy traffic, for example, or keep the machine in gear when stationary with the clutch freed. Both cause the clutch to heat up and then they start to drag, usually normal service resumes on cooling, unless one really cooks them…
● Misadjusted or uneven adjustment of clutch springs with multi spring clutch as your BSA has, for single spring clutches the spring may not be sitting squarely. In both cases, uneven lift of clutch plates occurs.
● Too short clutch rod, or misadjusted clutch rod.
● Too thick oil in chain case, if it has oil. Too thin oil may result in clutch slip.
● Pressure springs (or even one of a set) being coil bound, or some past errant soul has packed springs with discs or washers to give old, soft or shorter springs an extended life.
● Handlebar lever has insufficient travels, perhaps a wrong lever or it’s bent.
● Incorrect clutch or components.
● Severe wear to clutch basket and or the clutch plates.
● Clutch plates are buckled.