Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Information relating to the Matchless G80 or AJS Model 18 500cc Heavyweight.
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spookefoote1956
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Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by spookefoote1956 »

Got me length of 5/16" silver steel. Do I quench in water or oil. I've done both before but would be interested in what others do.

Cheers, Chris
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Pharisee
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by Pharisee »

Back in the day.... when I was an engineer instead of a retired 'old fart', we quenched the steel in whale oil. Don't know why, exactly but we did. Don't suppose you can get it now. I relatively recently had to make a new push rod for a Triumph I'd modified to operate the clutch hydraulically. I quenched the red hot silver steel in cold water and that's been working perfectly ever since. The ends are probably too hard to take an impact load but are OK for wear resistance on a clutch operating rod.
I'm from the Fens.... Gimme six.
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Rob Harknett
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by Rob Harknett »

Whale oil was still available a few years ago when I got some Girder fork star springs made. The original finish on them was Whale oil black.
Mick D
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by Mick D »

Hi

Oil quenching will result in a slightly softer outcome but plenty hard enough for a clutch push rod. Oil quenching will also reduce the risk of the steel developing micro cracks during the process.
Ensure the steel has chance to change state - keep it at cherry red for a minute or so before quenching - agitate well during quenching.

No need to temper for this application in my opinion.

If you're going to make a 'dish' to seat the ball - do it before you harden ;)

Regards Mick
Groily
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by Groily »

I'm with Mick - it's what I always do and it has always worked fine so far!
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Expat
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by Expat »

Hi All,

Reading this takes me back and totally agree with the theory and practice described too. :)

Regards

Steve
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alanengineer
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by alanengineer »

A big pot of oil, not a cup full and dunk the rod in vertically. Old engine oil, whatever is cheap-free and available
bitza
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by bitza »

This takes me back 1959 /60 ish spot on info cherry red Into
The oil giving a good stir. To temper polish with a bit of emery
Reheat watching the colours change straw to light blue quench
In water I stand to be corrected on this age and memory thing
Ha ha lol
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spookefoote1956
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by spookefoote1956 »

Many thanks. I will...

1. Take one whale
2. Boil for several days
3. Separate oil from other gunge
4. Heat my rod (ooh matron) until cherry red
5. Swirl my hot rod (ooh, you are awful) in the oil
6. Marvel at the hardness (ooer!)
Hail Joe Lucas ............ Prince of Darkness!
All my bikes are original........ to me!
"Creativity is your intelligence having fun" Albert Einstein
Mick D
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Re: Hardening Clutch Push Rod

Post by Mick D »

Watch it doesn't spit

Fnarr fnarr
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