FAST TRACK By: Michael Romeo

4-CYCLE DISK CLUTCH REBUILDING & MAINTENANCE

INTRODUCTION

Disk clutches are used in various racing applications. They are one of the best ways to put the power you are creating to the road, with the least amount of horsepower loss due to heat caused by slippage. At least this is what is supposed to happen. Many competitors do not properly maintain their clutches, or when they do, proper procedures are not followed. I will attempt to guide you through the process of maintaining your clutch, as well as properly tuning it for your various racing applications.

STARTING OUT - Step 1

First, we have to remove the clutch from your motor. Remove your bottom motor mount butterflys so you can take the chain off the clutch. Next you will need a ½" wrench and a screwdriver. Position the screwdriver against the flywheel of the engine. Do not put any pressure on the magnet, only on the flywheel itself. Next, use the ½" wrench to remove the bolt at the end of the PTO shaft. Your clutch should now slide off the shaft. Be sure not to lose the clutch key or any bolts as you will need them later.

Step 2

Now that you have the clutch in front of you on the work bench, remove the snap ring from the clutch. This is best done with a pair of snap ring pliers that you can purchase at your local auto parts store. Now that you have removed the snap ring, slide the drum from the clutch assembly. At this point, take the time to clean your drum with brake cleaner, and inspect it for wear. First, look at the sprocket (teeth) on the drum. You can really only inspect this while the clutch is off, so take the time now. Look to see that the teeth are not pointed, or as I like to call it "Ginsu Geared." Also make sure