QuestionHi, Could you explain exactly how the clutches work, on Honda's range of small SOHC engines, dating back to the late 1960's ? (ie. Monkeybike, Z50, Mini Trail, CT70, etc).
They have an oil pump, which directs oil through a passage in the RH engine sidecover, to the centre of the clutch. Somehow this oil flow is diverted/changed through a small spring-loaded pushrod, when the clutch/gear lever is activated, hence allowing the clutch plates to dis-engage. Any further info would be appreciated. CHeers, Rod
AnswerRod, the oil passage you described is unrelated to the clutch. The oil is pumped through the center of the clutch and the spinning clutch acts as a filter as it spins the heavier particles out of the oil.
The clutch has a three balls that are sandwiched in something that looks like a horseshoe. When you step on the lever it rotates that horseshoe and it unloads the clutch when you shift. Inside the clutch there are also some springs and flyweights that disengage clutch when the speed drops to low idle. That's why the engine doesn't die when you come to a stop and why it engages when you speed the engine up.
Regards
Rich
