Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

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Evans Ward
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Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

#1 Post by Evans Ward » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:58 pm

My engine is ready for rebuilding. Would a ceramic ball instead of the original steel one be a good idea for the clutch pusher rod? I have a ceramic one in the identical size and can't find the stock steel one.
84 RZ350-Toomeys,SCR milled head, stk 26 carbs,300 M, 35 P, stock regrooved needles AS 2.5 turns out,stk air box,Banshee reeds Zeel non-progr CDI,TSRL Program YPVS,alum rad,R6 shock,GV emulators w/RT springs,fork brace,Shindy steering damper.

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Re: Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

#2 Post by Hooligan » Thu Mar 29, 2018 6:39 pm

Potential for the ceramic ball to break down over time from compression forces it may not be designed to accept?
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JonW
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Re: Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

#3 Post by JonW » Thu Mar 29, 2018 7:34 pm

That would be my worry, but I know nothing about these balls or this material. At least it wont weld to the shaft I guess...
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Re: Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

#4 Post by hondaror » Fri Apr 06, 2018 10:34 am

Great question. I don't know the answer to this. Ceramic is harder then steel, for cutting, but harder means brittle, not necessarily tougher. Like the guys say, might not hold up. A failure could cause problems in the tranny.
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Evans Ward
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Re: Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

#5 Post by Evans Ward » Fri Apr 06, 2018 12:07 pm

Many of the Banshee guys use them. I spent some time searching the ol innerwebs and could not find a lot of info. Based on that, I'll be using a new OEM steel ball when I build and button up my clutch today.
84 RZ350-Toomeys,SCR milled head, stk 26 carbs,300 M, 35 P, stock regrooved needles AS 2.5 turns out,stk air box,Banshee reeds Zeel non-progr CDI,TSRL Program YPVS,alum rad,R6 shock,GV emulators w/RT springs,fork brace,Shindy steering damper.

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Re: Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

#6 Post by evansje1 » Sun Apr 08, 2018 9:11 am

Evans, I lost a clutch ball out of my 350 "magic bike". It went rolling across my garage floor never to be seen again. Most Ace Hardware stores in their nut and bolt area has a selection of hardened steel balls. You can pick one up there. While yore at it get two:-)
I finally got around to putting Chuck`s machined top end back on my Daytona. I started it Friday and seated the rings. It really was pulling well. Snowed here yesterday:-(
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Ardee
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Re: Ceramic clutch pusher ball- good upgrade or not?

#7 Post by Ardee » Sun Apr 08, 2018 9:48 am

I have found myself in need of a steel ball on more than one occasion over my time. The easiest way to get a ball is to break the cage on an old radial ball bearing ( lots that size in your engine so look at ones you have replaced ). Just use a punch between the balls and you will soon have a clutch push ball. The hardest balls to find are the ones in the handle bar switches ( so don't lose them )For these you can find small bearing in some electric hand appliances ( not as common as the used to be )
I'm most likely a little late with this info but keep it in mind.... it has severed me well

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