Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech 2005 America Clutch help.....

My sprag clutch went out on my America, gonna replace it, may as well replace clutch as well while Im in there at 65,000 miles....kind of confused as to what exactly I need, do I just need the friction plates, or the stators (I guess) as well? No manual on the thing either, can I figure it out ya think?

I would be surprised if the friction plates or the steels need replaced.

Is the gear broken? Send pics of what is wrong.

does the starter just spin and not engage the crankshaft?

In the mornings, or when the engine is cold, I hit the start button, and the starter just spins..It will catch every now and then, but when it does, it releases after a couple of revolutions and spins...Removed side cover, removed sprag clutch and housing, outer perimeter of housing has dark brown "stain" all the way around the circumference of the housing...as if it got REALLY HOT. I actually took a good whiff of the sprag clutch, and it had a definite "burnt" smell to it if that means anything...The sprag clutch itself, LOOKS okay, and will rotate in one direction only. Did a very good Detailed Visual Inspection of all gears, and engine case, all still in "Like New" condition...At 65,000 miles, I think it would be a good idea to replace any parts or plates in the clutch while Im in there, but have no idea where to get the special tool that's required...$247 for the sprag clutch/housing, and the gasket...Need to buy friction plates I think, for the clutch basket....Any good sources to buy these clutch plates? Called FastEddy a few days ago, went to voicemail, left a message...Thanks for the help guys, ya'll are STILL the best!

I never use that tool. I usually just hold it by and and let one of my kids hit the trigger on the impact tool. Never had a problem doing it that way.
Done did a few of em.

the impact tool works to get the nut off or you can make a counter hold tool pretty easy. the barnett clutch plates with green springs are a good upgrade. you can get them at british customs and many other places online. don't lose that wavy washer. there's a video of doing the clutch here

you can navigate to clutch in the video description

I have a problem with sprag clutch from a oil additive I put in. Took it apart and it spun only one way.sprayed with brake cleaner andput it back in.
Am getting a motor wash to clean out additive as it coated every thing. It starts fine in warm weather, spins in cold weather Lately. New battery has helped alot.
A new clutch,Gasket etc.was about 480. from dealer and a week to get. Hope you have better luck.