What are we talking about here? A clutch compression tool? Hummmm… Sorry for this article, I just wanted to auto-congratulate myself here and share the life lessons I’m getting to learn! Read on to understand.
Want to help me? Here are 10 ways you can help me rebuilt my dad’s Indian Scout. Most are free and will take just a few seconds! You want to see me going on a road trip with this bike, don’t you?! Go ahead then, every penny will help!
If you feel like you missed something
In this Indian Scout series, I am sharing with you my latest adventure… the renovation project of my dad’s Indian Scout 741 motorcycle. One day, I will go on a road trip with his bike. For now, I’m learning everything there is to learn about it! You can find out why, on the main Indian Scout page.
Although you may feel there has been too many recent articles about this project on RTatW, do note that I’m just doing some catch up… The pace will change in 2019.
So, anyway, what are we talking about today? The clutch compression tool?? Yes!!
I may be going crazy but I find some of those tools to be highly photogenic!? What is going on?
Clutch compression tool
Based on my very limited experience, I believe that there is one tool that you’ll be happy to own, if renovating an Indian Scout motorcycle and that is a clutch compression tool! I would completely understand if you didn’t take my word for granted. After all, I’m just a Gal, with no mechanical knowledge! Although, I do feel that I have learned a thing or 2, during these past months!
Despite this, I must tell you that there are 2 things, I know for sure, at this point:
1- The clutch needs to be dismantled for various reasons, including to access other parts of the engine
2- The little springs between the tension plates are much easier to handle when you have a compression tool!
There are 16 little springs (apparently you can use only 12) and those little buggers won’t stay in place when you try to put the tension plates back on. They are held in place by little pegs, but they are still quite free to move around and it’s highly annoying!
The compression tool is perfect to sort out this problem. You just put your plate flat, install the little springs, put the top plate on, plus the other bits including the trust bearing ball race and ball retainer, and screw the compression tool to the release worm. And there you have an ensemble that stay together, can be picked up and installed at its place, without any of the springs or balls falling or just moving!
I wish I had taken a picture of the ensemble last time we used the compression tool, but in the heat of the moment, I forgot! Next time maybe.
If you don’t believe me, believe the Indian manual!
It seems from the Indian manual that this tool is needed to compress the springs, so that the plate can be pressed into position on the studs.
Now, the first time we worked on the clutch, we didn’t have it and we managed anyway. So, I’m not quite sure it is absolutely necessary. But I do know for sure, it is extremely useful.
Indian tool equipment
The Indian manual has a list of tools (at the end), that are generally needed to maintain an Indian motorcycle in good condition. These recommended tools are classified by echelon of need.
First echelon are the basics: pliers, screwdriver, nut wrench, spark plug adapter…
Second echelon are for a bit more advanced work. These include a cylinder head wrench, a valve cover tool… No idea what those are at this point!!
Then comes the 3rdand 4thechelons. Those are for experts I suppose!! No? Ok, I know… Some are still very mysterious to me, but…. the compression tool which is referenced 23T269 is amongst those! So I decided that I was allowed to feel special just for knowing what it is and how to use it!!
Bravo to me!! 😉
In conclusion
Starting a project like the renovation of my dad’s Indian Scout bike is quite a challenge but I love it! And with the right tools & the right mindset, it seems that everything is a bit easier. That is the life lesson of the day!
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