Pushrod problem!!

[Cider1]

Hi
I've been having some issues with clutch adjustment on my '58 Flash.  Do you think that this pushrod could be the cause of the problem?

Only joking.  This is the lever end of the rod which I'm about to replace.  I think this is down to not having a hardened end, if you pardon the expression!!!

Cheers
Frank

[muskrat]

But if you push it through the mainshaft the other way it should straighten out.
Cheers

[RichardL]

I wonder if there will be any discoloration on the ends of the new rod to indicate they have been hardened? Couldn't you just grind this down and harden it yourself with a mineral or fish oil quench?

By the way,  Frank,  I think it's been some time since you've been on,  so welocme back.  How's that music career doing?

Richard L.

[Cider1]

Hi Richard
The old rod doesn't look as though it was hardened.  I know the new one has because I've just done it.
The music career has slowed down a bit recently because our singer decided that after 16 years and over 800 gigs he wanted to do something different so at the moment we are busy auditioning for a replacement.  Watch this space!!

cheers
Frank 

[dpaddock]

Frank -
Are you sure you have a steel rod there? Is the steel ball still embedded in the end of the adjusting screw? I've never seen a pushrod end deformed that way. There's a serious other problem involved here if that's a steel rod and the other pieces are proper. In fact, the axial force on a steel pushrod is well below the force needed to deform it (except for the small indentation made by the adjusting screw ball).

David

[bsa-bill]

we are busy auditioning for a replacement.  

"Tra la la twiddle de dee dee" - "I was lost in France?" - "tie me kangaroo down mate" - oh nearly forgot "Men of Harlech "

OK I suppose you'll let me know  

[Cider1]

Hi David
It was definitely a steel rod.  I don't know what type of steel but I don't think it was hardened.  The replacement that I've made works very well.  I can now select 1st gear with no clunk and even get neutral easily with the engine running.

Hi Bill

"Tra la la twiddle de dee dee" - "I was lost in France?" - "tie me kangaroo down mate" - oh nearly forgot "Men of Harlech "

Thanks for auditioning but you're too late, the vacancy has been filled.  We're now busy rehearsing getting ready to start gigging again in the early new year.

Cheers
Frank    

[LJ.]

Looking at that rod...  It might be a good idea to see if you can fish out any bits of broken off steel by using one of those telescopic magnets. You wouldn't want any bits to get in the speedo gearing.

[mrshells]

any one the correct measurement for the length of the  pushrod lease ?

[chaterlea25]

Hi MrShells,
It depends on which type of clutch is fitted ??
I just buy a 13" length of silver steel from my local engineering supplier and make my own
That way you can adjust the length so as to get the clutch arm at the correct angle etc which gives a better clutch action
HTH
John O R

[trevinoz]

Hi John,
                 Do you harden the ends on your pushrods?
I make them out of bright shafting and harden the ends with "Hardite".

 Trev.

[wilko]

This has only happened because of constant contact, instead of having freeplay. Even mild steel wouldn't do this if adjusted correctly or you hold the clutch in at every set of lights!

[BSA_54A10]

I used to use casenit, but I have not been able to find any for a long time.
Out of curosity Trev where do you get Hardenite from now days in out risk adverse world?

[RichardL]

Wilko,

Disagree,  soft ends most likely cause.  Sitting at light with clutch pulled in will not increase likelihood of mushrooming like this.  Greatest stress on ends is when clutch is activated,  not when sitting there with the pressure plate (edit: and rod) at rest. Lack of lubrication at rod end may lead to overheating and,  thus, annealing, (edit:  ...though, this is the lever end.)
 
Richard L.

[mrshells]

trev its a 6 spring clutch in a 1947 rigid
Sorry about the spelling