what did your clutch look like before you put on your vented cover?

[The Spider]

Folks,

after reading up on vented clutch covers and the pros and cons (bling, noise, airflow, cleanliness) I went down to have a look at what was behind mine (see what they...before deciding to get a vented cover or a nice solid one).

the pressure plate was greasy but OK, the inside of the clutch cover was covered with a thick layer of grime, the clutch control pins (the plates that sit on the springs) looked oxidized and the springs were rusted and pitted.

Question 1: Is this what they all look like before you 'make 'em pretty' - I take it I'm looking at 5 years (2003 model, 20k on the clock) of use? or is this something I should get the maestro to look at when he does the 20k service.

Clutch action is fine.

Question 2: Can I at least do a little bit of TLC by cleaning it up with a little degreaser? (then get some stainless steel springs?) whilst I soak the springs I check the bottom of the slots/wells of the plate where the springs sit.

Thanks in advance

[Syd-Monster]

The factory stuff does rust, spesh those springs. So yours is not the first one like that. Its no big deal Monster Parts have Stainless Steel springs (as do several vendors). I higly recommend changing those springs.
You can also wire brush, the stock stuff, (plate, springs & caps), & prep & paint them! Degreasing is enough, but paint protects it too, aswell as making it pretty.
I have done this myself & happy to teach/show you how. - Chris

[The Spider]

Thanks....I've now done the degreaser and ordered springs and a paulimoto plate which replaces the individual spring caps (apparently it improves clutch feel by evenly distributing load).

If I like the raw alloy look of the stock pressure plate - the degreaser has taken the grime of it - will the wire brush clean up any small pitting marks - and will wire brushing it put many scratches on it where 'crap' (technical term) will build up in the future?

[Syd-Monster]

Originally Posted by The Spider

Thanks....I've now done the degreaser and ordered springs and a paulimoto plate which replaces the individual spring caps (apparently it improves clutch feel by evenly distributing load).

Good move. its worth the bikkies. I've heard good things about the Paulimoto plate.

If I like the raw alloy look of the stock pressure plate - the degreaser has taken the grime of it - will the wire brush clean up any small pitting marks - and will wire brushing it put many scratches on it where 'crap' (technical term) will build up in the future?

Unfortunately the pitting marks wont be removed by the wire brush, unless you really heave on it. It really needs a sand/file etc to get it nice. But even with some wire brush work, clean up, prep & paint it will look a million bucks!
See here http://www.ducatimonster.org/smf/ind...?topic=60082.0
- Chris