Ride with missing clutch springs? - Ducati.ms

chief rocka · Feb 15th, 2011, 9:24 pm

As I'm installing my shiny new rizoma pressure plate, one of the spring retaining bolts snapped like a wet noodle. I'm hoping an ez-out does the trick even though they rarely do.

Anyway, it's suppose to reach 60 this week in Brooklyn and I was hoping to get a ride in. Is this possible with missing clutch springs? Will this cause the plates to wear unevenly or something worse? I was thinking of leaving 2 out, opposite each other.

tee-dub · Feb 15th, 2011, 9:31 pm

One missing one wont hurt anything. If you notice clutch slip take it easy, but I doubt you'll have a problem. Someone over on the streetfighter section broke two of theirs, seems to be going around! Keep in mind the torque setting is only like 6Nm on those, which is not much.

An easy out or bolt extractor should work, I've had pretty good luck with them.

08hyper · Feb 15th, 2011, 11:58 pm

As long as your bike is stock, you can run with 4 springs, many people do for a lighter pull, but I would run the 5 & replace the broken one ASAP.
Running the 5 will not throw the engine out of balance. Aloha Alex

chief rocka · Feb 16th, 2011, 9:07 am

Thanks for the advice. Looks like I will be running it with 5 for at least a day.

I'm beginning to think my torque wrench is broke. I had it set to 5nm and stopped before it clicked on each bolt because I read how easily they snap.

freezer16801 · Feb 16th, 2011, 4:33 pm

I've been running with 4 springs for the past year with no problems. I actually prefer it. It makes downshifts easier and does have an easier pull. I have hyperstacks and a 2-1 termi and have never had any noticeable slippage.

Did the head just break off? If so you should be able to get a pair of vice grips on the bolt shaft once you removed the plate and springs.

chief rocka · Feb 16th, 2011, 10:23 pm

Unfortunately it snapped pretty far down and it didn't snap flush. So it was impossible to drill straight into the screw in order to get it to back out. So after backing it out didn't work I tried to re-tap it. Another fail. Long story short, I am now looking for a new clutch drum.

I did however figure out that 5 springs doesn't work but 4 works just as freezer said. With 5 in, the pressure plate was off balance and in turn would not fully disengage.

Freezer, how long have you been running with only 4 springs?

08hyper · Feb 16th, 2011, 11:01 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief rocka

Unfortunately it snapped pretty far down and it didn't snap flush. So it was impossible to drill straight into the screw in order to get it to back out. So after backing it out didn't work I tried to re-tap it. Another fail. Long story short, I am now looking for a new clutch drum.

I did however figure out that 5 springs doesn't work but 4 works just as freezer said. With 5 in, the pressure plate was off balance and in turn would not fully disengage.

Freezer, how long have you been running with only 4 springs?

Are you sure you lined up the marks when you put back on the pressure plate?
I can take off 1 clutch pressure spring & bolt and nothing happens, works fine like stock, Aloha Alex

chief rocka · Feb 17th, 2011, 8:24 am

The marks are definitely lined up where they should be.

I'm not sure why mine wouldn't work with 5 in but I can clearly see that the pressure plate is 'pushing out' farther on one side causing the other side to put a small amount of pressure on the plates. This results in the bike rolling forward when in gear with the clutch fully engaged.

Anyway, it seems to be resolved for now with 4 springs in. Hopefully somebody here wants to sell their old clutch drum (part # 196.1.001.1D).

freezer16801 · Feb 17th, 2011, 8:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief rocka

Unfortunately it snapped pretty far down and it didn't snap flush. So it was impossible to drill straight into the screw in order to get it to back out. So after backing it out didn't work I tried to re-tap it. Another fail. Long story short, I am now looking for a new clutch drum.

I did however figure out that 5 springs doesn't work but 4 works just as freezer said. With 5 in, the pressure plate was off balance and in turn would not fully disengage.

Freezer, how long have you been running with only 4 springs?

I'd say roughly 3000 miles. Two track days riding in the A group are included in those miles. I actually like downshifts now. I can slide the rear wheel much easier now on downshifts than with the 6 springs. One of these days, Ill be able to back the bike in! Seriously, 6 springs on a 70 hp bike?

I do use a spyder retainer instead of individual retainers. You can see them here Ducati Parts by Desmo Times - The Home of DIY Ducati Maintenance. in the clutch section under paulimoto spyder retainer.

I found the idea of 4 springs in our hall of wisdom section, so I think many others have done this with other bikes with good results.

I have this companies flywheel, very good quality. I recommend them. And this gives you a reason to add bling and chop weight. Desmotimes is another good source for clutch parts.
DUCATI CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE HUB 1098 999 996 748 749 - eBay (item 230535526795 end time Mar-06-11 09:01:52 PST)

chief rocka · Feb 17th, 2011, 10:07 pm

Thanks for the info Freezer! I rode around all day with the 4 springs set up and didn't notice any slippage or negative effects at all. In fact it felt great, especially in heavy city traffic.

I really like the idea of using the spyder retainer too, to help "even out the release of the clutch, facilitating smoother action of clutch engagement and release." I just need to find out if it works with a rizoma skeleton pressure plate.