Clutch Basket Scoring

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TheGriz
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Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by TheGriz »

I was inspecting my clutch today. The clutch doesn't want to fully disengage. Under power the clutch disengages enough not to stall, but with the engine off, it has more than what I'd consider normal drag. I can't kick start in gear with the clutch pulled. I'm not sure if that's normal for a KDX, but I'm used to being able to pull in the clutch and start a bike.

Anyway, I pulled out the clutch today and found some minor grooves on the basket fingers so I filed them down. Hoping this will get me by until I find a new basket. The weirdest thing was the scoring marks on the outside of the basket. They aren't in the direction of the rotation. Was this created by the previous owner to create space between the basket and case or something more sinister?

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1987 KDX 80
1991 KDX 200
2005 GasGas EC250
2011 GasGas EC300
2008 KTM 300
gabegambale
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Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by gabegambale »

I have the same on mine but my water pump primary was on backwards (previous owner) so if that is not it I would like to know this answer
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Re: Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by KDXGarage »

OUCH

definitely something contacting it, weird
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TheGriz
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Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by TheGriz »

It seems that the only way to make scoring marks like this would be while the clutch basket isn't spinning, right? If the basket was spinning, all of the scoring would be perpendicular to these marks, right?

I guess I should check out the water pump now... ughhh
1987 KDX 80
1991 KDX 200
2005 GasGas EC250
2011 GasGas EC300
2008 KTM 300
KarlP
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Re: Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by KarlP »

I think that marking came from the manufacturing of the clutch basket and are not cause for concern.

Isn't the basket geared to the crank and spins all the time? Maybe I got that backwards
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Tedh98
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Re: Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by Tedh98 »

Yup, the basket is always spinning. And I agree that those were somehow put there during the manufacturing process.

I have seen those marks on several baskets. I just checked a spare basket and it looks similar.

If those marks were caused by something contacting the basket, you would see the AL when you change the oil.
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Re: Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by pumpguy »

I would agree. Most probably caused by de-burring the casting in the manufacturing process. Nothing to be concerned about.
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TheGriz
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Re: Clutch Basket Scoring

Post by TheGriz »

A mechanic told me that a lot of these came from the factory like this. Makes sense since it's a cast piece.
1987 KDX 80
1991 KDX 200
2005 GasGas EC250
2011 GasGas EC300
2008 KTM 300
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