AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Started work on the engine and on the primary drive.
I have done plenty of reading regarding the early and later models concerning the single and duplex chain and casing and the play in the clutch.
Could someone tell me or send me links with regard to solving these problems.
I have duplex gears on primary but single chain fitted.
Also I have play/movement in the clutch and it was suggested that larger bearings fitted to take up the play.
Any help as to where I can get these parts would be greatly appreciated. I can see the engine has been worked on and would like things to be right from start.
Thanks again and stay safe all.
Regards Roger

Hi Roger,

Could you clarify "play/movement in the clutch"? Is it wobbling on the shaft? In that case you need to replace the clutch centre. It's available from club spares.
If you have duplex gears, then you should fit a duplex chain. Also available from club spares.

clanger9 wrote:Hi Roger,

Could you clarify "play/movement in the clutch"? Is it wobbling on the shaft? In that case you need to replace the clutch centre. It's available from club spares.
If you have duplex gears, then you should fit a duplex chain. Also available from club spares.

Sorry, I would say it is the bearing ring. What part of the clutch centre would wear?
You can see where the chain has been touching the inner casing.
Are there any measurements I can cross reference with my Mic?
The engine has been worked on as the piston is fairly new and the valves are new. The right main looks to have movement which is under investigation.
Thanks very much for the reply

This is likely to be the clutch centre. It is very prone to wear. When worn, the clutch wobbles on the shaft.
Here's comparison of a worn one and a new one.
Easiest way to check is to take the clutch basket off and have a look. While the clutch is off, you can see if there's any play on the gearbox input shaft. It is likely to be fine.

[quote="clanger9"]This is likely to be the clutch centre. It is very prone to wear. When worn, the clutch wobbles on the shaft.
Here's comparison of a worn one and a new one.
Easiest way to check is to take the clutch basket off and have a look. While the clutch is off, you can see if there's any play on the gearbox input shaft. It is likely to be fine.[/quote

I have to be to be honest mine doesn't look that bad. The rubber absorber looks a black mess. Disintegrated more like but the spines look ok. Still trying to do pictures lol.

I have just checked the g/b input shaft and there is play in the shaft bearing.

If the shaft is wobbly, it could be the plain bushes inside the output gear.
Hopefully it's not the big roller bearing, because this is expensive (and you need a decent track on the output gear...)

clanger9 wrote:If the shaft is wobbly, it could be the plain bushes inside the output gear.
Hopefully it's not the big roller bearing, because this is expensive (and you need a decent track on the output gear...)

It can't get much worse. The main bearing is worn but has to be done now lol.
Will take box apart in a bit.
Thanks very much for your input excuse the pun.
Will update later.
Regards Roger

Good luck!

I wrote a guide on overhauling the Lightweight 'box - the bits on the output bearing & gear might be helpful:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/AJS-Matchl ... 77#s258666
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/AJS-Matchl ... 77#s171888

clanger9 wrote:Good luck!

I wrote a guide on overhauling the Lightweight 'box - the bits on the output bearing & gear might be helpful:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/AJS-Matchl ... 77#s258666
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/AJS-Matchl ... 77#s171888

That is great thanks. Just finished stripping and vapour blasted the engine and the main bearing bush needs changing but will change other roller bearing as Well.
Will have a read this evening about the gearbox and start stripping that tomorrow.
Also will order duplex this evening.
Thanks Clanger for all your advice