General

good morning peeps

i have a 94 ducati monster of which i have an open clutch cover and a nice pressure plate but the springs (which are on show) are a little manky, can i spray them, i thought of hammerite, or any other suggestions? i really dont want to buy any as im not sure if im going to keep this bike so dont want to spend money for other people to enjoy if you know what i mean

dabbzie wrote (see)

good morning peeps

i have a 94 ducati monster of which i have an open clutch cover and a nice pressure plate but the springs (which are on show) are a little manky, can i spray them, i thought of hammerite, or any other suggestions? i really dont want to buy any as im not sure if im going to keep this bike so dont want to spend money for other people to enjoy if you know what i mean

Whatever you do to them they will probably start to look manky again in no time.

Hammerite might be over the top - I'd just spray 'em with whatever is to hand and see how it goes.  Then you can always clean it off with a bit of paint stripper if it flakes badly.  But Hammerite is a right bastard to clean off.

How much are new springs anyway?  Might be less than a can of paint and you'd have clean new springs!  I'm sure you can get stainless springs (rust free!) for Ducati open clutches as well. 

The problem you're going to have is that the springs flexing will try to crack the paint off so you'll need something pretty flexible - the stuff they use for rear shock springs would be ideal. Hammerite's pretty tough so might work OK, plus you don't need to use a primer. If it's a dry clutch and paint flaking off can't get into any of the engine's oil ways then I'd give it a go and let us know how you get on.

I don't *think* tempered spring steel can be had in stainless grades, but I can go and check with my metallurgist friend if you like the idea...

I think Hammerite would flake off. It's not very flexible.  Some sort of hobby enamel like Humbrol (it's always a bit soft) might work, if you want to take the springs out, clean them and paint them.

If red rust is showing and that's what upsets you and you don't want to dismantle, spray them with something oily like chain lube or ACF50 to make it less obvious.

tappy wrote (see)

I don't *think* tempered spring steel can be had in stainless grades, but I can go and check with my metallurgist friend if you like the idea...

It can be. 

You can get stainless Ducati clutch springs that don't cost a bomb too.

tappy wrote (see)

The problem you're going to have is that the springs flexing will try to crack the paint off so you'll need something pretty flexible - the stuff they use for rear shock springs would be ideal.

Not much point in powder coating those little tiny clutch springs though.

ink ink wrote (see)

If red rust is showing and that's what upsets you and you don't want to dismantle, spray them with something oily like chain lube or ACF50 to make it less obvious.

I do hope that is one of those 'joke' replies.....

FJSRiDER. wrote (see)

ink ink wrote (see)

If red rust is showing and that's what upsets you and you don't want to dismantle, spray them with something oily like chain lube or ACF50 to make it less obvious.

I do hope that is one of those 'joke' replies.....

Not that the thread is about your hopes, but no it's not one of those joke replies.  In many people's eyes, oily or greasy clutch springs look better than dry rust. 

If the lady is considering doing anything at all to the clutch of her bike, I presume she (the Duck's mother)knows enough not to oil the friction surfaces.

ink ink wrote (see)

If the lady is considering doing anything at all to the clutch of her bike, I presume she (the Duck's mother)knows enough not to oil the friction surfaces.

I don't know if you'll get that much choice once it starts spinning around.

thanks guys for all your advise, it is all duly noted

FJSRiDER. wrote (see

I don't know if you'll get that much choice once it starts spinning around.

I reckon I could do it.

Dabbzie- report to my back garden immediately (that is probably one of those "joke" replies).

you having a BBQ then, as i havent had dinner yet

I'm making beef olives.

dont like olives, though i am partial to a bit of pork suasage

It was nice.  Minute steak wrapped wround white pudding and fried.

that does sound nice

I'll probably have wind that the Montgolfier brothers would be proud of.