Clutch Spring Question

[rrmccabe]

Trying to install the clutch on my Buggy and dont understand the clutch spring setup.

I would assume the spring should hold the cluch shoes in and when the centrifugal force of the clutch overcomes the springs the shoes should swing out and engage.

To do this I would think I would have to bend the small tang on the spring back around the nut. The seems it would be too much tension to overcome.

Can someone give me direction?

[vnmsgt]

That is what you have to do. The long part of the spring when you slide the spring in the middle of the clutch shoe goes along to top groove the shoe. The shorter part of the spring has to be bent behind the nut to create the tension. Get one of these http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/products_id/4663. Best thing I ever did for installing and removing clutch springs and do yourself a favor and throw out the caster clutch springs. They do not fit that good and are a REAL PAIN to get on. The short part of the spring I mentioned is too long and does not go past the nut without messing the spring up, did that to me on the truggy and buggy. I put on different springs I got so frustrated. You can try cutting them down but I did not want to take the chance.

[rrmccabe]

I ended up calling the LHS and confirming what I thought. Seemed it had to wrap around backside of nut and drop on that machined groove. That was correct.

Just seemed too stiff to overcome but I guess at 40,000 RPM :)

Next question is my crankshaft sticks out past clutch about 1/16"?

This does not seem right

[vnmsgt]

That is normal. If the clutch bell stuck out further than the clutch then when you tightened down the bolt to the clutch bell it would bind and the bell would not spin. You want to have a small amount of front to back play on the bell when the bolt is tightened down. If you have more you can put a shim to take up the slack.

[BigC123]

Here you go this is a instruction on how to put clutch together, you'll get it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eaq5_Hdg_w&mode=related&search= - 79k - Cached

[rrmccabe]

Those are some cool videos. I have mine done now and all is good. Caster manual is wrong and shows the short side of the spring in the wrong location. Well its wrong for final assembly anyway. They show it in the location it would be before you pulled the small side around the nut.

I think I will go see what else they have for vids. I am as far as I can go on my Buggy until I get pipe, tires, starter box and glow starter.

Just started assembly on my new Xray road car :)

[BigC123]

the CASTER starter box is awsome give Cam a call I think he still has some.

[vnmsgt]

does the caster starter box have one high torque motor or two motors. I assume it bits both buggy and truggy and does a 12v motorcycle gel battery fit in it? I looked at it on the website but it does not say much and no good pics.

[Mr Fusion]

Two motors... it looks just like the ofna black box I think?

[BigC123]

It has twin 550 motor's and has plenty of torque to start B7 pro Werk's 21 and it has one of the tightest pinch I have ever seen, and it looks identical to the Ofna starter box. I'll put some pics when I get to the house.:D

[rrmccabe]

I have been breaking in the ZX1R and at about 2/3 of a gallon of fuel I shelled the clutch front bearing which took out the clutch bell gear.

I had added a small washer with a reduced OD to the front of the shaft. Its possible it made contact with the seal and started the mayhem.

The Caster manual is short on details. So I checked out Losi and Xray and they talk about setting proper clutch bell end play.

What are you guys doing? It seems the clutch does not need end play and its just a method to keep you from compressing the inner and outer bearing.

If also seems that the washer should be stepped or small so it only contacts the inner race and cant get near the seal.

Comments/Suggestions?

[vnmsgt]

Get metal sealed bearings and not the rubber sealed ones. They are alot better and no rubber seal to pop out and let dirt get into your bearing. You should have a very small amount of play forward to back on the clutch bell or you bolt and washer that holds the bell down will bind on the bell and not let it spin freely.

[rrmccabe]

Thanks. Need to get a clutch bell from Cam. Hope my LHS has better bearings.

I pulled the screw and washer off the clutch and I had a inner race and outer race and no bearings. LOL

Anyone running Centax clutches? I see their name brought up often.

[Mr Fusion]

In general I think blown clutch bearings are common, no matter what brand of car. I shelled/replaced 3 sets on my 8ightT last year. I think some guys will replace the bearings as routine maintenance before the mains at a big race.

[hakmazter]

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7309532/tm.htm

post 6 answers all your questions in a nutshell.....he said on/off switch......

actually, that thread might help......