Soaking Clutch Plates - How long do you soak?

**honda250sx** · 03-25-2009, 10:17 AM

Just purchased a new barnett kit for my tri-z build. Everything is new in this bottom end. Brand new Sprock clutch basket, new clutch boss, new pressure plate, new fibers and steels, springs, new push rod, ball bearing, and new clutch actuator arm and bearing for that as well. This thing will be butter smooth.

Question is, How long do you soak your new plates prior to installation. Some say merely minutes, some say 15-20min and others overnight. How do you do it?

**x.system** · 03-25-2009, 10:44 AM

I've always soaked them overnight and never had a problem.

**maggiesboy** · 03-25-2009, 11:03 AM

I will typically start soaking them just before I start the job. By the time I have it apart, I go straight to install mode. Also never had a problem.

**Dirtcrasher** · 03-25-2009, 12:01 PM

I have new Barnetts in the 200X and 350X, they both got soaked about 10 minutes....

If they were so porous as to absorb more oil in a longer soaking, I don't think they'd last very long

**racerxxx** · 03-25-2009, 01:42 PM

From Barnett's faq page:

2. Pre-oil or soak the clutch plates (if wet type) in clean oil for about 5-10 minutes. Soak in the same oil going into the bike.

They're real similar to and automatic trans in a car/truck. I soaked my GMC's frictions for about 10-20 min before assembly.(Took me a little while to get prepped for them)

Hurry up with that build already, it's looking sweet!

**honda250sx** · 03-25-2009, 01:43 PM

Well then. It seems like I am getting the same answers that I was reading on several other forums. But I like the input of you guys who do alot of your own work. I guess I will just get some SAE50 Valvoline Racing Oil and let em soak overnight in one of those aluminum disposible cooking containers. Then just install them.

**MTS** · 03-25-2009, 02:04 PM

make sure you get the sharp edge of steel plates pointing out (towards engagement) for smother shifting and better grab, also less chance of hanging up (on older wore baskets)

**honda250sx** · 03-25-2009, 02:26 PM

Your saying these plates are tapered? I did not know this...

**Saul** · 03-25-2009, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by honda250sx

Your saying these plates are tapered? I did not know this...

rub your finger along each side of the plates - one side should feel 'rough' near the inside of the plate while the other side will be smooth.

From all my reading it's been said there is no difference which way you install them IE: rough side facing out or rough side facing in - as long as they all face the same direction.

I did have the rough edge facing 'out' when I installed my plates though.

I was absolutely floored at how much different my trike felt with new clutch plates. Hope you have the same experience!

**honda250sx** · 03-25-2009, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by Saul

rub your finger along each side of the plates - one side should feel 'rough' near the inside of the plate while the other side will be smooth.

From all my reading it's been said there is no difference which way you install them IE: rough side facing out or rough side facing in - as long as they all face the same direction.

I did have the rough edge facing 'out' when I installed my plates though.

I was absolutely floored at how much different my trike felt with new clutch plates. Hope you have the same experience!

Thanks for that input

. I learned something new there.

**Bryan Raffa** · 03-25-2009, 03:52 PM

throw them in some oil when you start wrenchin and you will be fine.Hurry the heck up would you....hey you get that MO for the seals?

**honda250sx** · 03-25-2009, 04:43 PM

Yes sir. I have them sitting in front of me at work ready to go to the post office. Shoot me a PM with your addy again good buddy.

**Dirtcrasher** · 03-25-2009, 05:03 PM

I don't know how the fiber plates are made, the aluminum base that is.... It may even be cast.

But I'm sure the steels, aluminums or "non fiber" plates are done in a rotary press. As always one side gets pushed thru and ever so slightly distorts the opposing side. Anything that is formed with a tool and die gets this effect.

Either way, both sides of plates are sandwhiched between another friction. I can't see how facing them one way or the other would matter.

Thats one way you can tell when things are made in a tool and die; one side will roll in or fade off and the other side will be sharp or even have a slightly raised surface.

Yes, I know - no one cares

Just sharing some thoughts....................

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Soaking Clutch Plates - How long do you soak?