Roxy: Centrifugal Force

Got it into my head that I must start cleaning the oil filters regularly.  Realized the benefit of having the 2-piece clutch cover: you don't need to remove the main cover to get to the centrifugal one.  Figured I could at least clean that one.  Save the screen filter for another ambitious day.

Started with the valve clearance checks while the engine was still cold.  She was rock steady at .05mm.  Spark plug was full of carbon deposits so I just gapped a new one and replaced it.  Then I warmed up the engine and drained the oil.

I already knew that 3 of the 4 clutch cover screws were tight.  I really thought I was going to end up having to re-slot them (damaging the cover in the process).  But lo and behold, the Lisle saves the day yet again.  Knocked the first one free with one hit and that really gave me hope for the others.  The last one almost didn't want to give in, but after 4-5 whacks it came loose.  Whew.  Lucky break.

Popped the cover off (carefully) for the first time, taking pictures.  Note there are three small pieces to worry about (and don't forget the spring inside the lifter).

Then I got worried about the outer cover screws being frozen.  It would be discouraging to have gotten so close only to be stopped now.  Had to go back up to get the clutch holder and I couldn't only get one peg into place, but it was enough to hold the basket enough to get the 2 screws out.  Another lucky break.

I had to gently pry the cover itself off, but that was the last big worry.  Finally she popped out and I was in.  The gunk was nowhere near as bad as I thought, given it's been 3 years of riding without a cleaning.  I did have to scrape it off, but I didn't need to chisel it.  Job done.

Getting the lifter and cover all aligned took a little fiddling given it was the first time.  I didn't have it all lined up correctly at first and actually screwed the cover back into place a couple times without then being able to move the clutch at all.  Finally got it all working and in place.  Realized that it was easier to attach the cable to the engine mount before screwing the cover done.

Also replace the 4 inspection cover screws and both those and the 2 outer cover screws got anti-seize.

Moment of truth - started her up, let her warm a bit, then the first shift.  Nice clean click into first.  Rode up and down the garage a couple times.  Gravy.

Also did part of a tune-up:

• Checked valve clearance on the cold engine and they were both perfect.
• Changed the spark plug since it was showing a lot of deposits.
• After the oil change, did a compression test and got a nice 110.