83 Columbia Driven Clutch Bushing?

jkrash

Anybody have an idea if the bushing in the secondary clutch can be replaced? or where I can find a used clutch?

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

tew45

Vintage golf cart parts co has them. They are a bit pricy but they do have them.

Lochlin

That should be a "comet" style clutch on there that was used for a lot of applications over and above golf carts. Those are still made and actually arent super expensive. A bit of googling will show some folks selling that whole new clutch for $100 - $150. It takes all of about 1/2 hour to replace. I would replace the whole thing and be done with it but that's just me.

jkrash

the clutch doesnt have a removable bushing so I think replacement is probably my only option, I'll try a new belt first and see if I can get it to take off in low gear again.

beretta5spd

hey did you ever get this sorted?

I fabricated my own bushing this summer out of bronze. I have no metal lathe..... so I ended up putting the bushing on a drill and using 40 grit sandpaper to "lathe" it to size.

but after about 80 miles of driving the bushing is cracked. something isn't quite right with the whole system.

I feel like maybe my bushing was maybe out more than it should have been. I'm going to buy a generic bronze bushing again but have it the inside and outside diameters made to spec with an accurate tool such as a lathe. Unless someone can point out a cheap alternative to replacing my 82 clutch.

tew45

Is your secondary clutch really a comet clutch? For there some of the old clutches available rebuilt at a reasonable cost.

beretta5spd

the cheapest I can find the part number online is around 180 USD plus shipping plus exchange rate. that comes to almost 300 Canadian. I only paid 150 for my cart hahaha

tew45

My first cart (years ago) cost me $35.00 but by the time I got it repaired and running it was $500.00 and was still ugly. I saw a new clutch on e-bay but it is gone now. There is a used one on e-bay now with a starting bid of $10.00 and $15.00 shipping but it is nasty and most parts will need to be replaced---- not worth the asking starting bid much less added shipping. Some parts may be good but not worth the chance!

beretta5spd

I just contacted a machine shop. The owner can lathe my bushings no problem if I can source them. I'm hoping to play 36 holes on Saturday and it shouldn't be a problem to have it done by then!

Lochlin

FYI: I am pretty sure that Columbia started installing Comets in '82 but don't quote me on that. Both of my 85s have Comets and I have a '83 parts cart that also had a Comet so I am pretty sure about those years.

I have yet to see a used one be worth a darn.

Unfortunately, like you mention, the cheapest I have found were right in that $170 range. If there is any good news it's that these clutches are actually fairly durable so that $$$ should at least get you 20+ years of use.