Clutch Maintenance

[chancer]

So we just got a new centrifugal clutch today. Bought it on ebay cheap no name clutch $20.35 free shipping. I removed the snap ring and looked at the bearing it seams to have grease on it and is a steel bearing.
Now previously we had a Hilliard fury clutch, those have a iolite bronze bushing/bearing and required oiling. Those type of bushings actually absorb oil.

Should we oil or grease the new clutch, and how often. This is on a yard kart 6:1 and 15" turf savers. used excessivle in dusty dirt 2 acre lot.

I can get pics but this seems like a basic question. Just never heard anyone talking about it yet and when I searched the forum this was too vague of keywords. Thanks

 

[firemanjim]

If it's the type with needle bearings, then I believe they need to be kept greased....

 

[chancer]

I don't think it has needle bearings. I will double check.
Edit
It looks to be identical to the one on Slidewayz new Rupp Dart.http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28715
Page 2 post 38 pic 3

 

[firemanjim]

Can't tell by the pic. If it has a brass bushing, oil it..... Other wise, it would have needle bearings and those need light grease.....

 

[Want1make1]

Hey guys I was wondering how long should those brass bushing last? I already went though one and I haven't even given the engine its first oil change. (20 hours when it's due) I try to keep it lubed all the time, between every use.

 

[chancer]

I have had the same problem. But I now know my problem with wearing out the bushing was due to the chain being to tight. The chain was cheap and when oiled dust would stick in it and cause it to not move freely and make it tighten up.

So if you are wearing out the bushing check the chain tension.

 

[Russ2251]

The chain was cheap and when oiled dust would stick

Oil should not be used. Use chain lube specifically. Less chance of dirt sticking.

 

[chancer]

Oh yeah I should have added: I soak my chains in melted candle wax, then maintenance with a wax based bicycle chain lube from the wal mart. No more sticky chains. I had a thread here a while back asking about proper chain lube. Many suggested a product called PJ1. never tried it though.

 

[Desertduler]

Oh yeah I should have added: I soak my chains in melted candle wax, then maintenance with a wax based bicycle chain lube from the wal mart. No more sticky chains. I had a thread here a while back asking about proper chain lube. Many suggested a product called PJ1. never tried it though.

I have used PJ1 Black Label for many years on non O-ring chains and the PJ1 Blue label for O-ringed chains on my desert race bikes with great results,the key is to clean the chain thoroughly and and then apply the chain lube and wipe off the excess with a rag.I also use the PJ1 Black label on my kart with excellent results. Here is a photo of some PJ1 Blue Label in use.