Clutch cleaning

Matt Clark · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 6:09 am Post subject: Clutch cleaning

Is there anywhere that describes in detail how to pull/clean the clutch in detail? Noob here who just ran his first practice day this past weekend and wanted to inspect the clutch but unsure of what all to do. I know the generic "pull and clean with brake cleaner" but to me that's a bit vague. Will I need any special tools? Thanks in advance.

Matt

Matt Clark · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 3:54 pm Post subject:

It seems I should have looked in the manual before posting Laughing

Is there anything I can use if I don't have a piston stop?

Chris McGinley · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:57 pm Post subject:

Matt Clark · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 4:10 am Post subject:

Thanks Chris. Stupid question, is the flex plate the plate labeled 1 on the Acceleration Karting diagram?
http://www.accelerationkarting.com/centrifugalclutchsprocket.aspx

Also, is there a certain kind of grease I need to use to grease the bearing? And it's red loctite for the outer nut correct? Thanks again.

Matt

Chris McGinley · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 4:36 am Post subject:

That's correct.... the flex plate is part #1 in that diagram.

For grease you can use wheel bearing grease. Some will push out when you put the clutch cover/driver gear on; remove the excess.

As for LOCTITE, use blue for the nut, not red. Torque it to 35nm.

Chris
_________________
Chris McGinley
Monster Raceworks
Rotax Masters
"Always stay one step ahead of the storm" - JZS
http://www.njkarting.org
http://www.btbsecurity.com

Matt Clark · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:18 am Post subject:

One more question about the screwdriver method, I'm guessing you're talking about sticking it in the opening that would be top-left if you're looking straight onto the clutch from the side. Do you guys usually put the screwdriver in vertically through that opening or do you put it perpendicular to the engine/clutch with the width of the blade spanning from the tooth to the opening and locking in there? Thanks!

Chris McGinley · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:59 am Post subject:

Put it in vertically...the handle should be straight above the clutch and the driver pointing down through that slot. Lean into it when you go to loosen/tighten the nut to avoid slipping.
_________________
Chris McGinley
Monster Raceworks
Rotax Masters
"Always stay one step ahead of the storm" - JZS
http://www.njkarting.org
http://www.btbsecurity.com

Matt Clark · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:07 am Post subject:

You the man Chris, any idea what size the nut is? I went to take off the drum last night but of course the I didn't have a socket big enough metric-wise and the one I'd need in standard must have walked out of my tool box Mad

Chris McGinley · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:25 am Post subject:

Thanks, but these were easy questions Smile

17mm is the size you're looking for
_________________
Chris McGinley
Monster Raceworks
Rotax Masters
"Always stay one step ahead of the storm" - JZS
http://www.njkarting.org
http://www.btbsecurity.com

Matt Clark · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 4:45 am Post subject:

Got it off last night (it was a bear to get off, a lot of cursing), hardly anything to speak of on the drum! Shot everything up with brake cleaner and put it back on. Used blue loctite on the outer threads of the nut and tightened down hard (don't have a torque wrench right now) so hopefully it's good to go. One thing I did notice after tightening is there seems to be a tiny bit of play in the drum, is this normal or does it need to be snug against the flex plate and the washer/nut combo?

Chris McGinley · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 5:51 am Post subject:

A little bit of play is normal.

Be careful about how hard you tighten this down; I've seen people break the end right off of the crank. You probably want to get yourself a torque wrench - I think the clutch drum, gear retaining nut, and flex plate nut may be the only things I use it for on my kart, but it definitely comes in handy.
_________________
Chris McGinley
Monster Raceworks
Rotax Masters
"Always stay one step ahead of the storm" - JZS
http://www.njkarting.org
http://www.btbsecurity.com

Matt Clark · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:00 am Post subject:

Yeah I'm going to be getting one, the only ones I had available were 50 ft/lbs. and up minimum so I just tightened it fairly hard and let it be.