thanks,that helps very much,i have had it on and off the shaft a few times, there is a big wobble and I agree it seems to be be the centre rocking on the bearings, but when you say it will be less when its all put back together the wobble is still quite big even with the clutch plates and springs are fitted.that is when my problem started cos I have broken one of the clutch spring nuts and a couple of the others are a bit iffy. so I ordered new clutch spring nuts on line.these are the ones that don,t fit,but I am assured by the seller that these are standard threads.so if I need a new backplate I need to get it apart and that's the bit I,m stuck on.while its on the bench I need to sort it out properly before the engine goes back into the bike.how do you get the plate off the front when the four countersunk screws have been removed.( when I have got it off I will probably take it to a proper b.s.a. supplier to get the correct parts),cheers guys.it is a retirement project so although its sometimes frustrating it is also still a great deal of fun !