82 HD golf cart clutch adjustment

73 cuda

Just bought a 1982 Harley Davidson gas golf cart. The guy I bought it from installed a new secondary (driven) clutch. It seems to grip too soon when accelerating the motor. Also when trying to drive slowly, the clutch continues to grip until the engine stops. This makes driving at slow speeds virtually impossible. Is there a way to adjust the clutch for a smoother start and to allow it to drive slower?

BGW

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Kplhdryder

I don't believe there is a way to adjust the clutch on these carts that I'm aware of, or even the drive belt. Does it also have a new or newer drive belt too? You might try adjusting the throttle cable under the floorboard at the accelerator pedal.

73 cuda

Yes, it has a new drive belt. I will try to adjust the throttle cable and see if that helps. Thanks

73eldo

The earlier clutches will actually allow the belt to slip a little bit especially after you get some wear on the belt. The 'comet' clutch Columbia started using in 82 does not do that especially if you have a new correct belt. My 82 I can drive the thing on the starter. It can also drive slow, kinda a put put put speed. I'm not sure if that was just an 82 thing or of most of the 80's ones did that. Looking at parts vendors they list the drive clutch as an 82 only thing so perhaps they did make a design change because people didn't like em.

Kplhdryder

If that belt is new be sure as 73eldo says that is the correct size, very, important. also, if it is the correct size, it may ware down so you don't experience that jackrabbit start, but that usually takes awhile.

73eldo

I think the one listed for 82 is the widest and shortest of the bunch. For a while I ran a worn longer one that would let me idle the engine but after I got the bugs worked out I went back to the correct one because it gets to a higher speed. The slipping also seems to wear the belt a lot faster.

The 67-81 is listed as 1-3/16" x 36-1/2" O.D
easier to compare 1-6/32 x 36-4/8
The 82-91 is listed as 1-7/32" x 35-5/8" O.D.

So the 82 is 1/32 wider and 7/8 shorter.

73 cuda

The belt I have on it is a Dayco Columbia Car Co 36398-82A
There are smaller numbers and letters after that: 4:F:7:2

It appears to be 1 7/32 wide, but when I try to measure the outside length, I get about 35 1/4. Can any one tell me if the belt listed is correct for 82, or how to read the code?

73 cuda

Was able to find OEM number for 82 36398-82. Mine says 36398-82A. Would the A mean anything?

73eldo

I don't think the A is important. Likely just a change in vendors or something like that.

That should be the correct belt for an 82 assuming you are dealing with an 82 or newer motor. Can you post some photos? Maybe you have a cart like another member that is kinda a mutt. A couple pictures we can better guess what you have.

73 cuda

IMG]http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/picture.php?albumid=3504

Image of engine tag