So I got a box of random parts for free and in that box found a clutch cover that I want to use because it doesn’t have the oil sight window and there are no scratches or blemishes on it. Inside the clutch cover it’s stamped with a 256 number. Does this identify with an earlier model motor? I know the bolt patterns for the filter cap should be different on the early years but in which way, I’m not sure.
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Clutch cover identification
- Thread starter alex f
- Start date
On the oil filter cover the very early had the two bolts kinda vertical instead of horizontal.
I think some of the bolt holes the hold the cover to the engine line up differently. I'm pretty sure all the engines from 74 up could swap around these covers. I have One with the site glass on my 75.
Kinda like having it. Don't have to pull the dip stick on a hot engine to check oil level.
Leo
I think some of the bolt holes the hold the cover to the engine line up differently. I'm pretty sure all the engines from 74 up could swap around these covers. I have One with the site glass on my 75.
Kinda like having it. Don't have to pull the dip stick on a hot engine to check oil level.
Leo
Yeah that’s really the only downfall. But my cover is so beat up that it’s just not even fun to look at. Really my curiosity was struck slightly when I saw those numbers. I honestly don’t care about the year of the cover. Just that it’s gona shine up way better then my current one
The "03" following the 256 casting number may mean the 3rd variant, as used in the midstream XS650s.
The original XS1, 256 covers, on 70-71, have the side filter bolts at about 11:00 and 5:00.
Later 72-on covers have those side filter bolts at about 9:00 and 4:00.
Backside of a 72-on cover.
The original XS1, 256 covers, on 70-71, have the side filter bolts at about 11:00 and 5:00.
Later 72-on covers have those side filter bolts at about 9:00 and 4:00.
Backside of a 72-on cover.
Okay so what your saying is that it could possibly be an earlier cover? The cases that came with them date to a 77. But my 79 and 82 covers don’t have this 256 number cast into them. Actually they don’t have any number cast into them.
From what I've been able to determine, here's a summary of the right clutch cover versions. The part number suffixes will likely match the casting suffixes, for at least the first several years.
256-15421-00
Early '70 XS1, up to s/n S650-001124.
Uses o-ring on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat vertical, about 11:00 and 5:00.
256-15421-01
Later '70 XS1, starting at s/n S650-001125, '71 XS1B.
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat vertical, about 11:00 and 5:00.
256-15421-02
'72-'75 XS2, TX650, TX650A, XS650B
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat horizontal, about 10:00 and 4:00.
256-15421-03
'76-'79 XS650C, XS650D, XS650E, XS650F
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat horizontal, about 10:00 and 4:00.
These later versions, I'm not quite clear.
256-15421-04
4E3-15421-00-00
99999-01146-00
'79-'83 XS650F, XS650G, XS650H, XS650J, XS650K
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Has oil sight glass.
Side filter bolts are somewhat horizontal, about 10:00 and 4:00.
At some unknown (for now) version, the label "Kickstart" (?) was added above the shaft boss.
From what I've been able to determine, all covers are interchangeable. However, there was a change to the engine cases mid '70 XS1, at s/n S650-003430. Cases before that s/n used shorter cover screws...
256-15421-00
Early '70 XS1, up to s/n S650-001124.
Uses o-ring on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat vertical, about 11:00 and 5:00.
256-15421-01
Later '70 XS1, starting at s/n S650-001125, '71 XS1B.
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat vertical, about 11:00 and 5:00.
256-15421-02
'72-'75 XS2, TX650, TX650A, XS650B
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat horizontal, about 10:00 and 4:00.
256-15421-03
'76-'79 XS650C, XS650D, XS650E, XS650F
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Side filter bolts are somewhat horizontal, about 10:00 and 4:00.
These later versions, I'm not quite clear.
256-15421-04
4E3-15421-00-00
99999-01146-00
'79-'83 XS650F, XS650G, XS650H, XS650J, XS650K
Uses gasket on side filter cover.
Has oil sight glass.
Side filter bolts are somewhat horizontal, about 10:00 and 4:00.
At some unknown (for now) version, the label "Kickstart" (?) was added above the shaft boss.
From what I've been able to determine, all covers are interchangeable. However, there was a change to the engine cases mid '70 XS1, at s/n S650-003430. Cases before that s/n used shorter cover screws...
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The oil sight glass came along in '81. The '80 models didn't have it. I quite like the thing, going so far as to upgrade my '78 to one. I discovered another little benefit when I did. It seems they trimmed down the large bulge on the bottom some, clipping the corner off. This provides more clearance between the cover and the headpipe. This can be a plus with aftermarket headpipes .....
Yeah sounds bout right. It probably is a 77 cover since I’m seeing the “-03” for 76-79. The motor is came from has 77 matching numbers. Thanks fella!
