Yes,,, grease on the pads is not good...
Brake clean """might""" clean them good enough,,, but I wouldn't count on it...
The flat disk that is held in place by the flower nut,,, is what I call the pressure plate/ or fly wheel...
And yes,,, you can see and feel this disk come free when you pull up on the clutch handle to disengage ...
When you let off the clutch handle,,, the disk slides inward towards the rubber pads,,, if the clutch cable or """flywheel/ disk""" is set correctly... it should not slip...
As per the PM...
12" of leverage for 2 1/2" movements would be ruffly 3 to 3 1/2 lbs force needed to open clutch... """Disk/ flywheel away from rubber pads...
View attachment 96961
If you dont have a 12" rod or long vise grips,,, then use the simple way to check...
4" of clutch handle would ruffly be 9 to 10 lbs force needed to desanguage clutch
View attachment 96962
Of course each engine is a bit different with specs and how the clutch was set up... some clutch lever pulls might be more or less then 9 to 10 lbs of feeling...
4 to 5 lbs of clutch handle pull is not good,,, that is an indication that the inner shaft spring needs more tension...
Dont tighten to 15 to 17 lbs ,,, that's way too much too... unless you have an engines that has alot of power... Ha...
I have a bit of extra info,,, but its wize to stick to the basics for now...
Yes,,, try cleaning the rubber pads with brake clean / carb cleaner and the face of the disk that presses up agaisnt them,,, zero oil or grease... clean clean and clean...
If you feel that there is any slippage when riding with the power of the engine,,, then look into getting new pads...
In stall pads,,, clean disk/ flywheel ,,, reset,,, and test ride...
Pm me if your issue's persist
Old school Don