Motorcycle Repair: Binding Clutch on 1960 XLCH Sportster, clutch plates, dry plates

Question
QUESTION: I am the third owner (since 1971)of this stock beauty but the clutch has been a problem.  I think the primary oil (same as crankcase per shop manual) has a binding (cohesion) effect on the plates.  They were replaced several times over the years and currently are physically fine.  Can I run a lighter viscosity to help "clean" them up without hurting the tranny?  I am running out of old-timers who might know!  I don't want to tear it down again!   Thanks!!!

ANSWER: When you say it binding, do you mean the plates are sticking together?
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes.  Seems to be the oil (it's clean) causing the sticking after having sat for a few years.  Even before storage it was troublesome.  After kick-starting and warming it up, I have jump started with the clutch in and ridden around the block with some success of getting the plates to  release.  Thought if there were a way to cleanse them without "surgery" I would be grateful.  It's a job I'd like to avoid.  Appreciate your feedback!
Doc

Answer
Sticking clutch plates were always a problem. One of the things that causes the problem is sitting for a long time. your plates are dry plates, even though they get oil on them. What I do is clean them in my bead blaster and they are good as new. If you dont have access to one you can clean them in gas and let them dry well. You can skuff them with some sandpaper and reinstall them.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike