Inspecting the clutch

[250xridamatt]

My 426ex has been getting harder to shift, and harder to get into gear lately. I figured when I changed the oil I would take off the right case and check out the clutch. Well I have the plates out and dont know exactly what to look for. Is there a way to tell by coloring or marks or something? Also, with the basket, it seems to have a little play. Is that normal? It also looks like something has been rubbing the outside of it, and wearing it down a little bit. Thanks for any help

Matt

[1fst400]

take some pictures.

[underpowered]

check the fingers of teh basket, are there any grooves worn into it from teh plates? that usually causes the clutch to stick some and causes your problems. as for the plates, lloks for heat marks on the steels and check for wear on the fibers. the fibers should have small grooves in them, not very deep to begin with, but still there. make sure they are not smooth and the grooves are still there, check for irregular wear on them as well.

[250xridamatt]

The wear on the basket, kind of hard to see...
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/250xridamatt/Clutch003.jpg
Plates
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/250xridamatt/Clutch007.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/250xridamatt/Clutch006.jpg
Overall shot with the plates out
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/250xridamatt/Clutch010.jpg

[1fst400]

all looks fine to me