1980 G1 gas clutch with no spring

[mscoanhxc]

I'm in the process of replacing the crankshaft seals on my 1980 G1. As I removed the clutch and primary sheave, I noticed there was no compression spring?!?! It ran and drove fine prior to starting the teardown. Is this even possible? Could it be some aftermarket replacement that is installed and doesn't use a spring?

I've attached the only picture I took. I know the spring would normally be behind the clutch housing shown but I was hoping someone might be able to verify that this is the factory clutch.

Can the cart be operated like this as I know this spring is no longer available?

[CP241]

Primary clutch shouldn't have a spring. It's operated with slides and weights that get thrown outwards to the ramps by centrifugal force, which will compress the sheaves together.

The secondary (driven) clutch has a spring to close them until the primary clutch engages and draws the belt towards the middle of the driven clutch.

[mscoanhxc]

Thank you for the response CP241. I was basing my question on the exploded view from my owners manual. I've included it to be sure we are talking about the same thing?

[CP241]

I was looking at the picture you took and misunderstood, thought you were expecting a spring to be inside the housing where the weights/rollers are. Did not read your post closely enough i guess.

That looks like the spring goes inside the collar where the sheave rides, to help push them apart when the motor stops, so the belt will drop back down to the bottom. If you can find a replacement for it, then by all means install it. However, if you can't, then I doubt you'll notice any difference in the way the cart drives with or without it. The belt does a pretty good job of spreading the sheaves back apart as the motor stops.

[mscoanhxc]

It didn't have one when I took it apart but it seemed to work and drive just fine? I will proceed without it. Thanks for your input CP241...much appreciated!

[smallblock450sl]

Early on in the G1 run, we would take out the spring, install a steel machined spacer (identical size of the bearing). We found if the spring wore the ingagement of the clutch was not smooth. I found I liked the update, because as soon as the RPM's went up so did the clutch ingagement. Grease the sliding sheave bushings, put it back togeather and have fun

[mscoanhxc]

Thanks Smallblock! No spring, no spacer...got it! Much appreciated!

[smallblock450sl]

No, you need the bearing or machined spacer and the collar, just no spring.

[mscoanhxc]

I apologize smallblock but I want to be sure I understand completely. Referring to the attached exploded view: In addition to the indicated bearing(item 2 in the image), I would need to add a second bearing or a machined steel spacer the same size as that bearing?

[smallblock450sl]

Originally Posted by mscoanhxc

I apologize smallblock but I want to be sure I understand completely. Referring to the attached exploded view: In addition to the indicated bearing(item 2 in the image), I would need to add a second bearing or a machined steel spacer the same size as that bearing?

That part explosion is a little miss leading. The bearing #2 (or solid machined replacement) fits onto the fixed sheave #1, then the collar #3, then the sliding sheave #5. #4-washer that clips onto spring and #14 spring will not be used.