questions about an un-seized clutch

this is on an 82 Seca 650 - just dug out of mothballs

hey everyone
when I bought the bike, the clutch was stuck. I rolled it along, popped the clutch and it broke free.

My question is: it would be stupid to run it like this, right? I'm thinking if the 6 or 7 clutch plates were all stuck together in one block, popping it free like I did only probably broke the bond between 2 of them, meaning all the friction will happen between only 2 plates.

Is this correct?

If so, can I pull the clutch out, break all the plates apart & reinstall?

Is this possible? If it is, is this a duct tape approach or a viable solution? IE should I just spend a few bucks on a new clutch kit?

thanks in advance

 

If it rolls in gear with the clutch pulled in(and doesn't turn the motor over), they are all free.

You didn't say how long it's sat or how many miles were on it.
I just R&R'd a clutch on an 81XS11 I'm rebuilding. It's sat since 1988 here on the gulf coast. The steels were rusted bad. They cleaned up good with some bead blasting. Frictions were still at new spec with only 6399mi on it.

 

really? Glad I asked. If it'll be fine just like that, that's great, since this seca is pretty much all original.

14000kms on the clock
This bike has not been on the road most of it's years. Since 03, the only action is saw was the PO would start it up in the garage to let it idle so it's carbs were all gummed-up. Wouldn't even start anymore. And the clutch was stuck.

Now that I hear the engine running, the exhaust is nice & quiet, the bike is almost showroom-clean and if the clutch is a non-issue, I want to throw some tires on it now!

thanks rpgoerlich

 

Well, I wouldn't go quite as far as "non-issue." Yes, it's freed up, but it's definitely worth a quick disassembly to clean it up and be sure the friction pads aren't crumbling from sitting.

 

reading both your responses, I think I'll be wise to get someone who actually knows what they're doing to take a look.

thanks again

 

8600mi doesn't seem like much but, It would warrant a look see inspection for sure.
I think it's one of the easier tasks to perform. Hardest part is cleaning the gasket surfaces.

Do a search and I'll bet you can find a good tutorial from start to finish.

 

Not yet. Gimme a break, willya! (I'm working on it.)

Actually, Richard is right; even at that mileage I'd pull it apart and clean it up. It really is one of the simplest assemblies, especially on the bigger (650 and up) bikes. The 550/600 has some interesting peculiarities, but the bigger bikes are straightforward.

Look in the parts fiche; then tear it apart and take notes. When you do pull it down, you will realize how bone-simple it really is.

I have a 550-specific photo thingie ready, but wanted to add pics from tearing down the clutch on my "new" 650, 13K miles and I will be pulling it apart for cleaning and inspection. (New to me, only sort of runs, pees fuel and quite rugged shape.)

Clutch is just like brakes, you have to pull it down, clean and inspect and then decide. The little friction material pads on the friction plates can deteriorate from sitting and begin to crumble. They stick to (and leave remnants behind on) the plain plates. Springs sag out from sitting, easily checked.

Get a book and do it yourself. This one's easy. And no plastic to remove first.