We are struggling with this exact same thing on our 82 xj550. Took all the rings out and saw that wavy looking ring (Clutch Boss Spring). Put new friction plates in and while consulting the Clymer manual it noted there were supposed to be 2 clutch boss springs...we only had one. Found out later that some versions of the bike had two and some only had one. So we put it all back together (it was a very tight fit with the boss spring) and clutch doesn't work at all now. After watching your video I see we should have soaked the new friction plates overnight but I'm also going to try leaving out the clutch boss spring to see if that makes a difference. Thanks for posting!
I only have a German remake of the original repair manual and there was no mention of a boss spring, very interesting. In my case the Springs didn't fit into the I D of the frictions. If that's the case for you as well, try just leaving them out, as far as I know modern clutches don't habe preloads like this as well. Regarding the soaking, I don't really know, but I guess it prevents them from burning up, think of like a soft brake pad.... Good luck with your project!
the 82 xj 550 is extremly picky about their oil ...also about sitting up , itll take a good year of riding for the clutches to come back in.....sounds stupid , but that's exactly what it takes ...new everything changes nothing ...either way same result ....mobile 1 10-40 racing oil is key ...trust me ive tried it all ....good luck ...when the clutch comes it the front tire will start lifting which my 650, 750 & 1100 will never do ...the 550 is an absolute blast 💯❤️
We are struggling with this exact same thing on our 82 xj550. Took all the rings out and saw that wavy looking ring (Clutch Boss Spring). Put new friction plates in and while consulting the Clymer manual it noted there were supposed to be 2 clutch boss springs...we only had one. Found out later that some versions of the bike had two and some only had one. So we put it all back together (it was a very tight fit with the boss spring) and clutch doesn't work at all now. After watching your video I see we should have soaked the new friction plates overnight but I'm also going to try leaving out the clutch boss spring to see if that makes a difference. Thanks for posting!
I only have a German remake of the original repair manual and there was no mention of a boss spring, very interesting.
In my case the Springs didn't fit into the I D of the frictions. If that's the case for you as well, try just leaving them out, as far as I know modern clutches don't habe preloads like this as well.
Regarding the soaking, I don't really know, but I guess it prevents them from burning up, think of like a soft brake pad....
Good luck with your project!
the 82 xj 550 is extremly picky about their oil ...also about sitting up , itll take a good year of riding for the clutches to come back in.....sounds stupid , but that's exactly what it takes ...new everything changes nothing ...either way same result ....mobile 1 10-40 racing oil is key ...trust me ive tried it all ....good luck ...when the clutch comes it the front tire will start lifting which my 650, 750 & 1100 will never do ...the 550 is an absolute blast 💯❤️