Modern Vespa

Putting the clutch back together on my P200 engine rebuild. As well as plates, springs, and the seal, the other new parts I am installing are the brass washer and copper bushing. The latter was a super-tight fit both over stub in the back plate and then when accommodating the drive gear - I had to use a vice to press the parts into place each time.

The 'how to' guides indicate that once re-installed the drive gear should spin freely. With channel locks and a lot of leverage I can get it to turn, but it is hardly spinning freely - can't get it to turn with just my hand.

Is this bushing just too tight? And if so, any suggested fixes? As ever, any thoughts, pointers etc. are much appreciated.

I've sanded down the outside of the brass bushing so the gear will move smoothly. Rarely has it dropped right in and worked perfectly .

Also, a little heat to the bushing to get it over the shaft sometimes helps.

It must spin freely!

I've noticed most brass bushings now are too thick for the center cog plate. Seems I'm doing that for every rebuild now.

Like QA said, sand it down just enough so the plate can spin around it. It's a wear item so don't take off more than necessary.

Many thanks for your help. The hard part was separating the back plate and the drive gear without damaging the bushing. I sanded it down and now it spins like a champ.