Bad Clutch Symptoms

[powerstrokekid]

Guys I am wondering what are some of the symptoms of a bad clutch?

 

[Blazkowiez]

What sort of clutch do you have? Is this simply a basic chain drive centrifugal clutch?

 

[KieranM]

If its a centrifugal clutch, then the most common would be a boggy/slow take off. This is from the shoes been worn down.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Or a machine that absolutely refuses to stand still while idling at or below the recommended RPM.

 

[powerstrokekid]

Sorry, yes it is a centrifugal clutch. The kart always wants to take off very slow and boggy like. If I cut the idle down anymore than what i already have it the kart won't run.When cranking the kart i have to hold the back of the seat to keep it from taking off when it starts. Looks like I'm gonna need a clutch. Any good recommendations?

 

[Russ2251]

Sounds like clutch may need some oil in bushing...or...springs have been overheated.

 

[powerstrokekid]

Russ, I have oiled the clutch several times. and i don't know how to tell if the springs have been overheated. But i do know the clutch does have some age on it.

 

[Russ2251]

Someone on this forum stated that if spring is removed and retains a circular (horseshoe) shape it is n/g.
It should remain straight in it's relaxed state.

 

[powerstrokekid]

I don't know much about these clutches so I ain't going to try to take it apart. I will just take ya'lls word on this. If anyone know a god place to get a clutch let me know. This is the one i was looking at, it has alot of good reviews on it.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200310370_200310370 --> I am not for sure about how many teeth are supposed to be on the clutch and how can I figure out my chain size? Or would it be better to get one identical to the one I have.

 

[Russ2251]

No harm in taking it apart if suspect to begin with...especially if it is going to be replaced anyway.
Nothing ventured ...nothing gained.
If original clutch was satisfactory, replace it with same.

 

[powerstrokekid]

Russ, If I do replace the clutch then I will take the old one apart just to gain some knowledge about the clutch. I wish I knew what the original clutch was, it looks very similar to the one in my link, but not quite. I bought this cart from a man in Charlotte, NC and he had no idea what -or- where the clutch come from.

 

[Russ2251]

Sometimes there is an identifier stamped into rotor (shoe retainer) or housing. Have you scrutinized it?
My gut feeling is that it is a Max-Torque.
Can you supply pics?

 

[powerstrokekid]

Russ, here is some pics of the clutch. Hope there not to big.

CLUTCH

TAKEN APART (FRONT SIDE)

TAKEN APART (BACKSIDE)

LOOSE SHAFT

MAX TORQUE

 

[redsox985]

That's probably 40 chain being that it has 10 teeth on the clutch. To double check, measure from pin to pin on your chain. 1/2" is 40, 3/8" is 35.

 

[powerstrokekid]

Haven't had time to check the chain yet. All I know is the kart had a chain on it when I got it but it was rusted pretty bad. The previous owner sent 10ft of 420 chain with the kart. And he had rigged the sprocket to work. But when the kart is setting on the ground the sprocket is only 1/4" off the ground. That seems a little low to me.

 

[redsox985]

Yes, you will either need a smaller sprocket, which could be rough on clutches depending upon your current ratio. Could you count up the teeth on the rear sprocket?

 

[powerstrokekid]

out and about right now, as soon as i can i'll get some pics of the sprocket setup and tooth count.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

IMO, that clutch looks so old, you should buy a new max torque clutch for really cheap. my hillard was $30 o $40 and it works great..