Clutch machining question!

[mpro26]

Can anyone give me some advice on rather this clutch is worth having machined or not? Hopefully there is enough material there to machine, because I really dont want to have to buy a new clutch. I have removed the clutch and installed the power spring, and everything else looked good inside. Thanks

[JW67]

When I machined clutches, I did not mess with the face. I took off both sides down at the base where it is thickest. Took a worn clutch that the belt was coming up 1/2 inch from the top and machined it till the belt was coming up flush with the top of the clutch. Note: I had to machine the base to match what was there so the spring and bearing would seat back in place. And i had to make a washer to put behind the thrust washer. (big washer that pushes on the 3 arms that closes the clutch) I would call Tom at Cart Parts Plus and ask him his advise. He is a good honest man.

[mpro26]

Thanks JW67, I will probably need to replace the clutch. The more I read about clutches, the more I realize the machining is like you described here. I agree, machining seems to be for the base, not so much for the face.

[JW67]

Well, if your going to get a new clutch, what would you have to have for your old one? I am always looking for used clutches.

When in Maintenance mode and you give it the gas, how far up the clutch does the belt come? Even a brand new clutch, there is about 3/16 to 1/4" of the clutch face left. This test is done with a newer belt. A used belt will not ride up as far.

[mpro26]

My belt is only about a year old and doesnt have many hours on it. The belt comes up to about 3/4 of an inch from the top, but I also have the power spring installed in the driven clutch and the 200 rpm spring installed in the drive clutch. I read somewhere that the belt will not come up as high, with the power spring in the driven clutch. Thanks

[JW67]

What year is your cart? On 96 1/2 and older, you can change the belt tension so it would allow it to come up further by loosening the engine and sliding it back a little bit. Putting some slack in it. But if your clutch is worn out, it still won't come up all the way. If you remove the belt and manually force the front clutch together, you can place the belt in there and see if the clutch closes far enough to drive the belt up all the way. I bet you have all kinds of torque right now. Just remember, if you get it working properly, you may loose what you like. You will gain speed by having the belt come up to the top but you will loose that mid range torque.

[mpro26]

My cart is a 2000 model, so there probably isnt any adjustment of the engine distance. I havent had the torque springs installed too long, so I havent had a real chance to put it to the test. However, Im pretty sure I will be needing a new clutch soon. Thanks for the advice though! Mike