Anybody know how the clutch functions?

[John Schmidt]

I posed the question elsewhere on another forum and this is the response I got from a member. The numbers refer to parts in the expanded breakdown in the link. My question is quite simple; how can the rod #9 press against #8 when the rod passes through the center bearing. Beyond that, there's nothing for that rod to press against, the shaft it's mounted on is hollow. I'm ready to button up the Wing motor prior to installing in the trike but this has me confused. Does anybody understand how this works? I'm thinking the spiral grooves in #9 create a sort of seal between it and the bearing surface, culminating in the center of that rod where the diameter is smaller. An additional function of those grooves might also be to dampen the clutch action somewhat. 

QIOTE: "The rod from the slave pushes on the lifter piece #9 which pushes on #8 which is bolted to #7 and compresses the spring #10 and takes the pressure off the plates which lets the clutch inner and outer pieces rotate separately disconnecting the crankshaft from the transmission."

https://www.servicehonda.com/oemparts/a/hon/506c1c7af870023420a2f0fb/clutch

[WintrSol]

I'll give it a shot. Spring #10 pushes the pressure plate #7 away from the clutch outer #1. The pressure plate presses the friction discs and plates against the clutch center #2; this pressure provides the force that, via friction, locks the outer and inner parts together. However, the pressure plate is free to move within the clutch outer, not only towards the outer against the spring when enough force pushes the pressure plate against that spring, but it also rotates with the clutch inner. The posts on the pressure plate pass through the clutch inner, and bolts to the lifter plate #8. When the end piece #9 is pushed against the lifter plate with enough force, it moves the pressure plate towards the clutch outer and away from the clutch inner, thus removing the spring pressure from the discs and plates, disengaging the clutch, and allowing the clutch inner and the pressure plate to rotate at a different rate than the outer. Installing nut #15 connects the clutch inner to the engine shaft, and forces the assembly against the spring and locking it to the clutch outer.

[John Schmidt]

Good explanation...mostly.    Except how does the rod #9 press against the lifter plate since that rod will pass all the way through it?  I have two different clutch paks/lifter plates and the #9 rod. The rod goes all the way through the bearing in the center of the lifter plate by just using your fingers. That's what has me confused.

[WintrSol]

It should press against the throw-out bearing, #21; the drawing doesn't show that the lifter piece actually presses against the inner race. The photos in the service manual show it better, page 9-11.

[John Schmidt]

It should press against the throw-out bearing, #21; the drawing doesn't show that the lifter piece actually presses against the inner race. The photos in the service manual show it better, page 9-11.

I think I'll order a new bearing and lifter piece. Easier to make the change now while on the table than once in the trike.

[WintrSol]

I think I'll order a new bearing and lifter piece. Easier to make the change now while on the table than once in the trike.

The bearing is probably a good idea, since it is side-loaded when you use the clutch. Don't want to go back in if it gets noisy.