So I have removed the clutch pack to asses the horrific clutch drag and found the pack to be 10.20mm .. have ordered a new unit to eradicate this ..

However ... On inspection the large clutch gear has uniform groves on 1 side where the plates meet, but looking at a new image they arnt there (See pic below). would this add / worsen the drag if the plates twist and stick in them and should I replace the unit?

Sorry if the terminology in this is incorrect. 

Thanks

Steve

I believe the grooves in the clutch basket are bad (or at the very least they're not good  ); they will prevent the clutch plates from separating smoothly/completely, and this will contribute to the drag you experience.

As a possible solution, I've heard that you can carefully file the grooves out; just try to keep the basket tangs square/perpendicular to the base.This fix may also increase the noise of the engine/clutch a little bit.

No harm in trying this mod first before replacing the basket.

Edited May 9, 20197 yr by d2w

Depending on the price of a new basket, it may be cheaper to pay someone to machine the finger edges flat with a milling machine. That would be about 30 minutes work on a milling machine

I would just replace that basket, if you fail to remove exactly the same amount on each slot the plates will be unsupported on some of their drive tangs, this might lead to other issues.

Edited May 11, 20197 yr by misscrabstick

Cheers for advice. Have ordered new basket and complete clutch pack and going to try putoline light gear oil. Fingers crossed all is good ?