Hitchcocks Forum

Now that my 1943 WD/CO engine is running perfectly, the clutch started making a metallic ringing sound when the clutch hand lever was pulled in.

On investigation, plate surfaces seem to have 'normal' wear and there are some notches in the tangs that warrant replacement (I reversed the plates for reassembly. So I'll order those once I make the right list.

A few curiosities came up on reassembly.

When I pull in the clutch lever, the outer retaining plate stops spinning, there is a metallic ringing sound (what might that be?), yet the transmission resists entry into first gear--or any gear. IT seems like a basic thing, but if the outer retaining plate is no longer spinning, then the transmission has no internal movement - right?

Also some of the friction plates have 'sections' while others seem to have contiguous friction material. Perhaps these are different versions of the same plate, but I'm hoping it is ok to order all of one type from Hitchcocks.

Thank you for any insights!

-Michael S

Think you need to remove clutch drum and make close examination.

Worn clutch hub will allow contact with seal studs on inner primary.

Caged bearing in drum, rivets loose or broken on drum friction plate or clutch hub centre spring studs pulled adrift..

All will make quite a noise and loose clutch lift..

I've experienced this on some other brands. Sometimes a bit of play between the friction plate tabs and basket fingers can make noise when disengaged, then go quiet with the lever released. Noise can be caused by the loose plates rattling against the basket. If so, new plates may help. I've seen this mostly with steel baskets, but not light alloy.