2000 DS Driven clutch not engaging

[robms]

I have a 2000 DS that the driven clutch is not engaging. Is this a serviceable issue or is a new clutch needed? Engine starts up fine, RPM’s are plenty high to engage clutch. Key should be good (clutch spinning with crank). Never ran into this problem before.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

[robms]

I have removed the clutch and disassembled it. Two of the 3 drive button take up springs are missing. Also, the drive buttons look very warn. I was going to just order new buttons and springs, but the manual says that if the primary weights show signs they are touching the castings, the tips of the weights have worn beyond spec and need to be replaced.

I really don’t understand this. I have attached some pics. I don’t know if they need replacing or not.

[CP241]

When you stab the gas pedal does the engine rev up? How high do you have to rev the motor before it does anything?

[robms]

Clutch does not engage at all. Engine revs high. It can watch the clutch when it’s in service mode. The clutch is not closing.

[CP241]

How do the sheaves look where the belt rides? Hold a straight edge to it and see how wavy it is.

If the sheaves are dished, judging by the wear I can see on the internal parts I woupdnt bother trying to rebuild it, just get a new one.

If the sheaves are flat and nice then it may be worth rebuilding. Pretty much everything inside is worn and will need to be replaced. May be cheaper to buy a new one anyway

[robms]

I’m not sure what you are considering sheaves. Here are some pics of the clutch where the belt rides.

[CP241]

The sheaves are the V shaped part of the clutch where the belt rides. It should be ruler flat. A little wear doesnt really hurt anything.

But... given the wear on the sheaves and all the wear inside, if it were mine, I'd toss that and just get a new clutch. You'll be much happier that way

[robms]

I’ll have to advise customer on this. He’s getting ready to move to a retirement community and is having an estate sale. This is going in with the estate.

[Fairtax4me]

Originally Posted by robms

I have removed the clutch and disassembled it. Two of the 3 drive button take up springs are missing. Also, the drive buttons look very warn.

They only put one take-up spring in the clockwise rotation clutches. They used 3 springs in the early clutches and had problems with them sticking and not moving smoothly. They cut it back to one and that helped with clutch operation without any other problems.

The usual cause for a clutch not closing is stuck buttons or the center shaft is rusty or worn in such a way that the moving sheave gets jammed and can’t slide.

Check the center shaft of the clutch for grooving or any deep scratch marks. If it’s smooth and has no rust make sure there is no dirt and NO grease on the shaft or inside the center of the sheave.

If the buttons are worn they should be replaced, but if this cart is going to be sold in an estate sale I probably wouldn’t put too much into parts.
Make sure they don’t have any rough edges, make sure there’s no corrosion or dirt in the channels where the buttons slide.

The weights have to be able to move freely on the pivot shafts. If they feel stiff or don’t move at all remove them from the shafts and clean them up so they’ll move. They’re not supposed to have any oil or grease on them, but if they’re really sticky or rusty then a small squirt of silicone spray grease can help them move and won’t cause any major problems long-term.

Make sure everything is clean and reassemble the clutch and make sure the moveable sheave slides easily by hand.

[lockman1]

I can't see the side of of the button...
Here's a pic of a worn button (left), and a new button (right)

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