Hitchcocks Forum

Hi All. Still working on my '59 Connie, and having a 'head-scratch' over the clutch. It has a later pushrod clutch with the large pressed steel pressure plate and when I got the bike, the pressure plate was very distorted, so I replaced it from 'mine host'. Having reassembled (with new springs as well), I find the pushrod at the gearbox end sticks out too far for the adjuster to engage. When assembling, I reinstalled the 3/16" ball between the pushrod and thrust pad that came with the bike, but I don't see that ball in the online parts book. I reckon if I take out the ball, the adjuster should work, but I'm concerned about the mechanics of spinning & releasing without that ball (even though the parts book doesn't show it). What does the Team think??

Just to clarify, as standard there should be a ball in the gearbox adjuster and nowhere else. Because the pushrod is long and thin it can bend under pressure and bind inside the mainshaft so many owners cut the pushrod into shorter bits and put a ball bearing between, hopefully reducing the total length of pushrod accordingly! It sound s like someone added a ball to compensate for the distorted pressure plate, just remove it and try again. If the clutch now works you could consider the cut and ball approach, in my experience it doesn't always make much difference.
REgards, Mark

Thanks Mark, inciteful as ever! Just back from The Shed having removed the offending ball, and all is now well. Thanks again! Stephen