Why won't my clutch work?

My clutch is the last big snag in my restoration. One a limited inspection, the cush gear appears to be okay. When in neutral going to first gear the clutch both grinds a terrible sound and grabs pulling the bike into a wheelie. I need help.

Here is a photo of my entire clutch:

And the hardware:

The cork plates are brand new:


The video below gives you the low-down to the two potential problems that have been identified:


This video shows a glimpse of the needle bearing, which appears to be missing needles:

As stated in the video, as you spin the gear you can see it rolls around a needle bearing, but there are some spaces that appear as if they should not be there -- maybe this bearing needs to be replaced -- and the needles should be complete around the 360 degree bearing. Also, when you spin the plate there is some friction/snags at points. But if you spin the gear it turns freely, easily, and quickly.

The small holes in the basket and the plate should line up and the basket should fit the plate correctly. There are two possible settings and neither lines up for me. Note where my fingers are pointing:

When you line up the holes on both plates (in either of the two settings) you can see that clutch springs do not line up and furthermore neither does the basket. See the video with both possible settings and you will see how "off" it is.

Clutch Still Broken

CRAP!!!!

Spoke with Paul S. this evening and the thrust washer was added. It appears that the clutch plates are brand new - no scribe marks. It did not work. I am frustrated. Will take pictures and video of it this week and ask others to look at it and help me determine what the issue is.

Please comment with ideas and what needs to be seen in pictures and video to help trouble shoot. My plan is to see it on Wednesday.

Vespa Tricycle

My wife and I bought my son the Radio Flyer Vespa Tricycle. He likes to have his own "scooter".

No update on the SS180 at this time. Paul S. received the clutch tension/thrust washer and the clutch will need to be removed a second time to install it.

Clutch Issue Follow-Up

Had a beer with my mechanic Paul S. last night and the rest of the local scoot club and Paul told me that I am missing the Clutch Spacer Washer (aka thrust washer) -- part #59133. This washer goes on the crank shaft before the clutch goes on. This could affect the the engaging/disengaging of my clutch. I ordered the part for $10 and am having it sent directly to Paul. I really hope this solves the clutch issues for good so we can move on to the electrical in the headset and then finally be done.

Reference: Stock Wire Harness

For Krissy . . .

Here's a look with the shrink tubing removed:

Click to enlarge photos and see colors more clearly.
Stock wire harness.
Headlight/indicator bulb wires (Note: there is also a BLUE wire here that was cut too short to be seen in the picture below, but it is part of the headlight):

Kill switch wires:
Horn wires:
Rear brake light switch wires:

Tail light wires:
HT Coil wires:

My stator was rewired exactly to match stock and photos are posted on this blog.