Hi All, I have a recently rebuilt engine in my SWM TL 320 and the clutch is incredibly light [good for comp.] but slips in the higher gears badly [no good for trial riding between sections]. Was wondering whether you could put the clutch back together in a way that makes this happen?? It didn't do this before. While this may seem obvious I also installed a clutch cover from my no. 2 bike after the rebuild with a lengthened actuator arm so thought that's where the light action came from. But im guessing that will having nothing to do with the slippage?
Any thoughts welcomed.
Clutch slippage
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- Reinald
- A grade participant

- Posts: 184
- Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:57 pm
- Club: WDTC
- Bike: SWM TL320 1982
- Location: Springfield
Clutch slippage
I'd rather be a D grade participant than an A grade spectator....
Re: Clutch slippage
Maybe the new clutch cover is depressing the clutch slightly, the bearing type cam inside may differ slightly between the two bikes. possibly check if the bearings are the same size?
Sharvie ~ Maitland NSW
- Reinald
- A grade participant

- Posts: 184
- Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:57 pm
- Club: WDTC
- Bike: SWM TL320 1982
- Location: Springfield
Re: Clutch slippage
Thanks Steve, Ill try that and I remember some of the forums talking about differences between the different bearings.
I'd rather be a D grade participant than an A grade spectator....
Re: Clutch slippage
Clutch slip is very common on the SWM..........its often down to worn out clutch pack and weak springs.
Re: Clutch slippage
Wear can't be the issue here, Reinald has indicated the clutch didn't slip prior to disassembly.
Something has changed in the process of dis & re-assembly.
Something has changed in the process of dis & re-assembly.
Sharvie ~ Maitland NSW
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Takhli44
- A grade participant

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- Joined: Sun Apr 29, 2012 11:19 pm
- Bike: TY 175
- Location: South Dakota USA
Re: Clutch slippage
I assume that you have a bit of freeplay in the adjustment? Is the new lever causing partial disengaugment and the freeplay is in the cable only?
I know little of SWMs, just suggesting some places to check.
I know little of SWMs, just suggesting some places to check.
Don't let competition get in the way of having fun.
- Reinald
- A grade participant

- Posts: 184
- Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:57 pm
- Club: WDTC
- Bike: SWM TL320 1982
- Location: Springfield
Re: Clutch slippage
Yes I didn't realize adjustment was possible at the actuator (doh) going to try that next thanks.
I'd rather be a D grade participant than an A grade spectator....
Re: Clutch slippage
you should also put the clutch back in the same order and position as it was taken out, and stored in a lunch box soaked in oil when stored, acording to the factory monkeys. 

- Reinald
- A grade participant

- Posts: 184
- Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:57 pm
- Club: WDTC
- Bike: SWM TL320 1982
- Location: Springfield
Re: Clutch slippage
All fixed - took the slack up from the actuator and also the cable nipple had pulled through the actuator arm so I got some play back for the clutch lever adjuster - I now have 4 Honda xr valve springs and 2 standard clutch springs with a 3 mm extension in the actuator arm. Light at the lever no slip even in 6th ( and it flat hauls in 6th by the way after the rebuild). All I need is to sort the slight weep in the new betors and she will be perfect.
I'd rather be a D grade participant than an A grade spectator....
Re: Clutch slippage
If your Betors dont have blue seals, and you have bought them recently contact the seller and ask for replacements.
