6HP JAP CLUTCH

[TONY REGAN]

After the advice I got with ignition on this motor I wonder has anyone has dealings with the all-metal clutch. Mostly straightforward but in the pressureplate cover there are 3 holes for securing the drum and one mystery hole closer to the centre taped 3/8"cei I think,what's it for ?Thanks Tony

[R]

What year is this engine again ?
Clutches were mostly only invented when gearboxes appeared, in the teens mostly,
so is it a later clutch that someone has adapted ?

A pic could be useful...

[TONY REGAN]

Engine is 1909,last year of automatic inlets.

[TONY REGAN]

And clutch I hope.

[TONY REGAN]

Definately an option for cyclecars in those years and drives a 2-speed Chater-Lea gearbox,then to countershaft and 2-belts to rear wheels.

[cardan]

Hi Tony,

If the clutch is multi-plate and all metal, it probably runs oil inside. My 1910 FN has a clutch like this, and theoretically you undo a screw and fill it with oil. I usually give it a squirt before I ride it, but most is on my boots by the end of the run. Perhaps the thread hole in your clutch is just for oiling?

Leon

[R]

Anyone got pics of pre 1910 cyclecars or tricars, particularly engine/clutch/gearbox setup ?
Jist curious...

As a sidecar, Chater-Lea Combination Bike, 1909
http://wannabemc.com/images/Motorcykle-Sidecar/classy%20chater-lea/1.jpg

And delivery vehicle
http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/18th-july-1907/23/a-new-commercial-tricar

[TONY REGAN]

Thank you Cardan,that would solve the mystery of the hole  and why there is remains of a gasket in the drum.So I imagine the level with that hole set at it's lowest position and a light oil.
Yes R' that's the sort of arrangement of clutchdrum and release mechanism. This one has it's stirrup attached to a post and acts in a horizontal plane. Some bits missing between that and a pedal in the vertical,so a bit of recreating to do as these were mostly one-off's I think unlike the combination. Thanks

[cardan]

Hi Tony,

What a lovely beast!

I have an interest in such things, but I'm not expert. A friend is a real cycle car tragic, and he reports that all the suspension parts and axles are "pure Chater Lea". Any chance of a few more photos? Do you know who assembled the car?

Cheers

Leon