Did I fry my brand new clutch?

[Magice]

So I just got a brand new clutch for my 5hp old briggs gokart. I took it out for a quick spin in a very small lot, and the clutch is already smoking. My gokart now moves a little at idle and the wheels dont spin freely like they did before

Is my clutch fried if so how did it happen.. I just got it.

 

[Jerryburger]

Could be. Put some grease on the shaft, in between the clutch bell (the outer part) and the drive hub (the part that the bell rides on. You'll have to remove a big c-clip to do it. (Do your best not to get any oil on the drive shoes or the driven part of the bell.
The best indication of a ruined (or needs attention) clutch is that it won't let your motr idle without engaging. (Cooked Springs). What drive ratio (sprockets) and rear wheel diameter are you running? Also- the Comet Website pretty much states that the sooner the clutch is up to speed and fully engaged (around 2200 rpm) the better. They don't recommend going easy on the gas and causing the kart to go below a certain speed for long periods. Here's a cruddy diagram I drew- hope it helps.

 

[jonesie8807]

similar thing happened to me. but not as bad at first. i ended up burning it up pretty bad. now it clicks and makes noises. the nice part when u let off the accelerator, u get good coasting power lol. now im thinking about buying/ saving for a TAV2

 

[Jerryburger]

Hey Magice!... What's the verdict on the clutch? Is it... "It's DEAD, Jim!" ? (StarTrek).

 

[go kart mozart]

my clutch doesn't smoke it just takes a lot of rpms before it starts grippin. mabe normal idk. came used with the engine.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Most engage around 2200 rpms.

 

[Jerryburger]

With my clutches so far, the MaxTorqs do a "gradual grip" type thing, while the Comet absolutely stays disengaged until the motor hits 2200 rpm, and then grips like a gorilla snot. It's not like dumping a manual clutch, but its a lot more on/off than the MaxTorqs. Does anyone else agree?
Russ' TinyTach idea is very useful for this stuff!

 

[jr dragster T]

Yeah I have a comet on my homemade trike and it realy locks suddenly.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

I think this has to do with pad material.

 

[Jerryburger]

I wonder if that's the sign of a better clutch or not... the Comet is usually more expensive, but that doesn't always mean it's better. My Comet is on the Minibike/BlueTerror... probably the worst vehicle to have a positive-locking clutch! Haha. I might trade it onto the Lowrider, just see if it makes a difference.

Either way, still no word from Magice?.... Hopefully all is well.

 

[Magice]

Funny story..

I'm think I hit a rock and my engine nudged forward.. Chain was way tight and apparently if a chain is too tight the clutch engages on idle.

 

[Jerryburger]

COOL! Easy (cheap!) fix! Glad it wasn't anything expen$ive!

 

[kibble]

Funny story..

I'm think I hit a rock and my engine nudged forward.. Chain was way tight and apparently if a chain is too tight the clutch engages on idle.

Jinkies! That would make sense! Because the chain was too tight, there would be increased friction in the sleeve and would make it spin when idle!

 

[soflokustomz]

I personally think max-Torq clutch is way better than any of the comets I have tried , Like (JerryAssBurger) said comets take a high rpm then unload , while max-Torq on the other hand is engaging at every inch of the throttle. Im still using my same max-torq clutch from over 2 years now and I ride my scooter hard off-road every other day and it still feels like its new and the acceleration is amazing. Comet clutches are good as well but for the price and performance I'd go with max-torq.