Clutch rebuilding

[alien13]

Yep, me again. I don't know if this is a clutch issue or not. First of all, if the clutch is still pretty much brand new, is there a way to "refresh" it, or do I have to rebuild it? Second, which is the symptom, is that I have to start in the air. Basically, I start the truck with the rear end propped up on my foot, let it warm up, then give it a good shove to get it going. If I pull the air filter, the gap is about 1mm, and the low speed screw is currently 1/4 turn out, but it was all the way in until today, I'm just trying to get it set right still. To me, it seems the idle is too high. Even after running it for a while, I can hard brake, or let it idle against my foot, but as soon as I remove the brake or my foot, it goes.

While I have your attention, clutch bell gear sizes. Higher number is more torque, less top end, and lower is less torque, higher top end, right? It's been a long time since I've dealt with gearing.

On a side note. I'm truly not a rookie to RC, just to nitro. It's just been so long, that I need refreshing. On the plus side, I'm a quick learner at least, and I'll never dip my circuit boards in plasti-coat.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

Sounds like your clutch spring is broke. This is not allowing your shoes to disengage. A light sanding can put some snap back into your clutch if it is slipping too much. Smaller clutch bell/bigger spur= more torque, less top end. Bigger clutch bell/smaller spur=less torque, more top end.

 

[olds97_lss]

What vehicle is it? I know associated used to run a springless clutch in their RC-10GT's. Not sure if they still do or not. To me, it seems odd that they do that as it would always drag and want to move. Which would cause excess heat and burn up shoes/bearings if you did much sitting and idling.

 

[alien13]

What vehicle is it? I know associated used to run a springless clutch in their RC-10GT's. Not sure if they still do or not. To me, it seems odd that they do that as it would always drag and want to move. Which would cause excess heat and burn up shoes/bearings if you did much sitting and idling.

Speed NT, and it has a spring, according to the parts list and breakdown. I need to get one ordered. I don't want to take it apart yet, as it's still use-able. Unlike the guys on the Losi forums, you guys haven't steered me wrong yet, so I'm pretty sure I can go with what I'm told here.

 

[olds97_lss]

Sounds like your idle is just too high. I'd try adjusting it down a bit when the engine warms up. If your LSN is too lean, your idle will remain too high and won't drop down. It will just go from running to not running.

It may be your clutch spring, which isn't hard to check. Just pull the engine and take the CB off and look. If it isn't broke, the shoes should be held together. Would be a good time to rough up the clutch contact points and the inner race of the bell as well with a mild sandpaper.

 

[DrKnow]

What does scuffing them with sandpaper do for them?

 

[Metalhead Matt]

Cleans the glaze off. Makes them slip less.

 

[alien13]

olds97_lss: Tried to retune, since it was the free option. Not the problem. Today I pulled the clutch apart, and one of the eyelets was broken from the spring. The lhs didn't have a replacement, so I just made a new loop on the broken end, and it works great! Did some tuning, and I think I broke a few speed laws on the street in front of my house!

 

[hamz9561]

Well, at least you're having fun breaking the law. (We won't tell Alpine if you won't)

 

[alien13]

Well, at least you're having fun breaking the law. (We won't tell Alpine if you won't)

Actually, there was biker cop that passed by on the side street. I wanted to race him. Not sure he would have found the humor in it though.

 

[hamz9561]

If he's like the cops here, they love to watch the RC stuff. I had the Local cops actually pull out their radar gun to clock my Baja 5b. It was really great.

 

[alien13]

If he's like the cops here, they love to watch the RC stuff. I had the Local cops actually pull out their radar gun to clock my Baja 5b. It was really great.

My co-worker is talker about getting a Baja 5b, he showed me some pictures of it and now I want one!