Clutch - BSA D7 Instruction Manual

Clutch Control
The clutch adjustment will be found at the left-hand end of the gearbox mainshaft
(see Fig. 6) and it consists of an adjusting pin C screwed into the clutch withdrawal
sleeve and a locknut B to secure it in position. These items are protected by an outer
cover which must be removed before they are accessible. The adjusting pin presses
against the clutch withdrawal rod with a steel ball interposed and the withdrawal
mechanism must at all times be so adjusted that there is a slight amount of play
between the pin, the steel ball, and the operating rod, in order to ensure that the clutch
springs may exert their full pressure on the driving and driven plates. If there is not
sufficient play there will be a tendency for the clutch to slip continually owing to
reduced spring pressure, and this in turn will cause over-heating and serious damage
to the clutch itself. If the play becomes excessive, difficulty will be experienced in
changing gear, as the clutch may not fully disengage, in which case the control
should be adjusted as explained below.
To adjust, release the locknut and holding it with a spanner unscrew the adjusting pin
with a screwdriver one or two turns. Still holding the locknut with a spanner, screw
the adjusting pin gently in until it is felt to meet some resistance. Then unscrew it
half-a-turn and holding it in this position retighten the locknut. If the adjustment is
correctly made in this manner, it will be found that there is a small amount of free
play at the clutch lever on the left handlebar before this is felt to take up the spring
pressure during the action of declutching.
Fig. 6. Clutch control adjustment, with outer cover removed.
The clutch operating mechanism should be greased at regular intervals to maintain
it in good condition (see Page 12).
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