clutch boss retainer ring- how important is this

[Steverk]

reassembled the clutch and noticed in the manual a retainer ring for the clutch boss. When I disassembled the clutch the retainer ring was not there, so I compared it with my 2nd engine and it has the retainer. At first glance it appears that the ring simply keeps the clutch boss in the basket when taking it apart and not much else. Can anyone educate me on the importance of this part?

[Steverk]

C'mon Guys!!! no one wants to touch this thread? Surely someone has run into this question before. In searching other forums, I have read of these wires breaking and becoming dislodged ending up in the motor. My retainer was missing off the clutch and I found wire bits (i thought it was welding wire) inside the lower case.

[DiverRay]

I would like to help, but I've not had that problem so far. Transmission lock-up at 85mph, yes. Clutch basket problems, no. I would think if you didn't spend your time dropping the clutch at 5K rpm's, there would not be too much of a problem.

[bikerphil]

I myself have never heard of these wires breaking, never even thought of modifying the clutch basket other than adding an extra steel plate. Maybe posting a photo of the boss retaining ring would generate some more interest and opinions.

[2WheelFun]

If you have the proper setup on the parts engine, why not take the short amount of time and put it together the way it was supposed to be? There have been plenty of times that "we do it right because we do it twice" played out for me.

[auxtian]

Try having a look here at the Aussie site youtube

clutch rebuild, the Steptoe way - YouTube

[bikerphil]

After looking at the actual clutch basket up close, it appears that that .020" wire is to hold the out board steel from rattling around against the aluminum, possibly causing premature wear.

[bikerphil]

[bikerphil]