What do yall think about these primary drive clutch plates?

These are the only 3 plates that had any kind of burn marks on them. Should I replace them all or just the one in the middle since it appears to be the worst.

 

Haynes states the plain plates in your picture should not show any signs of excess heating (bluing) which they do. Check for warpage using a flat surface and feeler gauges, maximum permissible is 0.03 mm.

 

They don't show any warping but I suppose I will replace the 3. I didn't know if the two on the top or bottom might be permissible based on others experience.

 

You could try them as there is no warpage. Other members might have used plates which have blued? Try just replacing the bad one should be fine.

 

When in doubt replace all of them , if three are burnt good chance the others may look okay ,but could be warped . I recently redid the clutch , the clutch disks were good , but the clutch plates were worn but were not shot . This engine had 38K it is my spare engine till I rebuild the starter clutch on original engine .

 

Bluing is a sign of being overheated. Weakness (an uneven weakness) is the result. Replace thesteel palates, and the friction plates if they are worn beyond spec. Remember to get new bolts, Reusing the clutch bolts is asking for a imminent failure.

 

Fair enough, thank ya'll for the input. I'll replace the steel plates.

 

Another question that isn't related to this thread. Does it harm anything by spinning the engine backwards from the timing cover? I did about 20 revolutions in that direction and I didn't bother to think about what direction I was spinning it.

 

There is a chance that the cam chain skipped a tooth or two. Just recheck cam timing to be sure.

 

Will do, what about the primary chain? I wouldn't think it would but I'm new to a lot of this

 

Primary chain should be fine. The guide takes up some of the tension l don't think that chain can jump on the sprockets. Isn't timed like the cam chain either.

 

+1.
There really isn't a primary chain on the shafties. It just spins the alternator and allows the starter to turn the crankshaft.
Even if the guide breaks the chain can't slip or come off, and turning the engine backward won't cause the guide to break.

 

True k-moe it's habit I call it a primary chain when it is not .