Clutch corks

[richard norris]

Advice please: I am working on a 1931 clutch and find that some of the corks have come away from their slots in the chainwheel. They are about 5mm deep and fit into circular recesses in the chainwheel, they are in good shape so I want to secure them – any thoughts on the best way? The bike has been out of action for some decades as far as I know.

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

The difficult thing is to degrease the corks sufficiently for an epoxy resin type adhesive to be used to fix them back in place. Even soaking them in acetone for several days might not work. I would be inclined to send the chainwheel off to SAFTEK and get them to replace the inserts with rings of friction material. (Address as in adverts in most of the ‘Classic’ magazines). They are not expensive, and usually get the job back to you within seven working days.
Brian

[David J Waring]

I have a large number of brand new high quality pharmaceutical (circular/tapered) corks. Are these of any relevance? What diameter do you need?

[richard norris]

Thanks for your kind offer David, I have refitted the offending chainwheel corks which appear good. It looks as if the bike was little used after a rebuild some decades ago and they had simply stuck on to the plain plate next to them. The clutch seems ok now and I will eventually send the chainwheel off for bonded lining and plates to match but not before I have found out if there is any other major trouble with the bike.

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