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Z900 A4 Clutch

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 1:36 am
Author: Gray17
Good evening Guys,
I have a quick question, i hope someone more knowledgeable then me can answer. Rebuilt engine recently, fully stripped clutch, checked wear on all plates which was negligeable, soaked in engine oil then rebuilt, checked springs free length again within tolleremce so fitted and torqued bolts to correct settings. Fitted cable and adjusted.
Before closing case up checked clutch operation it operates and releases fine, however, if i turn engine over with Kickstart it slips slightly is this normal without filled with oil, just assembly oil in engine? Dont want to close up case and fill with new oil then find it slips and have to strip it back down again and drain new oil.
I know they are wet clutches so does fresh oil filled make them more slippery or prevent slip?
Oil used in assembly and to be filled with new Castrol 10-40w semi synthetic as recomended on here.
Thanks

Re: Z900 A4 Clutch

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 5:54 am
Author: kz900B1
Hi, Was the oil specific to motorcycles or the generally available Castrol semi for cars ?
Car oils contain friction modifiers which will cause clutch slip on a wet clutch .
Cheers Colin

Re: Z900 A4 Clutch

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 5:54 am
Author: warren3200gt
Hi Graham, is the adjuster on the front sprocket cover correctly adjusted? They can be a little finicky to find the sweet spot.

Re: Z900 A4 Clutch

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 7:38 am
Author: Gray17
Thanks for replies,
I read several posts on oil for Z1/Z900, i believe it was Z1015 who stated that any modern semi of 10-40w would be suitable, even Halfords i did make sure it had the correct references, as i understood its the Fully synthetic that has to be avoided due to roller bearing issues.
Warren: i have not adjusted the internal adjuster, i left it as it was, but will check that. It wasnt slipping when i got it, but that could have been because the plates were gummed up and not releasing properly from being stood?
The only thing I've done different, it must have had Hi rise bars previously, the cable was routed incorrectly with the extra length, so instead of running straight up the left frame I've ran it across to the right side and up that, then across, it runs in a nice shallow arc with no sharp turns and i made a support bracket for the centre. It seems to work well with no binding or harshness. It is quite a handful compared to modern hydraulic clutches, but know cable clutches are always heavier.

Re: Z900 A4 Clutch

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 7:59 am
Author: warren3200gt
As you've had it all apart then the components won't be as "seated" as they were previously so you'll need to adjust on the sprocket cover to the current "seating". You'll probably need to re adjust once it's all bedded back in. On my J the difference between dragging, working correctly, slipping is about 1/16 of a turn. Finicky!!

Re: Z900 A4 Clutch

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 8:23 am
Author: zed1015
The oil won't be the issue it will be the clutch adjustment on the sprocket cover.
Also make sure the cable is seated correctly in the release mechanism as that will hold the plates apart..

Re: Z900 A4 Clutch

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 10:36 am
Author: Gray17
Thanks Guys, 1st thing i'll check today, think there's a procedure in the manual for adjustment, which ill follow.
Update: well 1st backed clutch cable right off, then checked ferrules were entered correctly, they were, next loosend lock nut and turned adjuster 1/4 of a turn then locked, re adjusted cable and sure enough clutch didnt slip, however it was binding slightly, so backed cable back off then turned screw 1/8 of a turn back the other way.
Now seems to be working as it should. Thanks Guys, cant believe how critical it is? I did read a few articles and most said you shouldnt need to alter the adjuster, obv in my case i did, can now refit clutch cover and fill with oil, another step closer!