Types of Clutches - What do I have?

[RatedM]

I have two clutches to choose from to put back in my blaster. Not sure which set to use. One has little friction pads, the other has a full friction surface. I was told the one with pads was a dirt digger clutch set when I bought the parts engine. I have no idea what the other one is. Can you tell me which is the better set?

Also, one thing I noticed, the one with the small pads doesn't have little tabs on the metal plates like the other set and the ones I've seen on install videos.

The set with a full friction surface is what came out of the engine. Symptoms were really hard clutch pull, and not fully disengaging. I filed down the basket smooth, and greased the beatings.

 

[jbuckster07]

I think that either would be fine as long as they are within spec.

 

[jus_me]

The top one looks like an oem clutch. It has the dimples in the clutch plates and the one on the bottom obviously is an aftermarket one. Not sure of the brand though.

The hard clutch pull could be a few things. The springs and if they are hd springs or not. If the previous owner filed down the tabs on the clutch hub where the clutch springs screw into, << a mod sometimes used to stiffen the clutch and make it grab tighter. Grooves in the basket. The clutch could also need adjustment. Lack of oil etc...

The bottom clutch looks more heavy duty.. The top one looks to be a little worn but not badly. I would go with the bottom one imo..

 

[RatedM]

The top one looks like an oem clutch. It has the dimples in the clutch plates and the one on the bottom obviously is an aftermarket one. Not sure of the brand though.

The hard clutch pull could be a few things. The springs and if they are hd springs or not. If the previous owner filed down the tabs on the clutch hub where the clutch springs screw into, << a mod sometimes used to stiffen the clutch and make it grab tighter. Grooves in the basket. The clutch could also need adjustment. Lack of oil etc...

The bottom clutch looks more heavy duty.. The top one looks to be a little worn but not badly. I would go with the bottom one imo..

Thanks for the info! Couple questions about the bottom HD clutch. I noticed that the metal plates between the clutch plates don't have alignment tabs for balancing the clutch. They're just circular. Is this a problem or no?

Also, this doesn't have a spacer plate between the last couple plates like the OEM clutch. I assume I should use this spacer in the HD setup?

 

[jus_me]

No, you do not need the spacer "ring" they were used for easier clutch engagement. Remember the Blaster was designed for beginner riders. It is to help with learning to ride a clutch so they installed them.

Also if you look at the OEM clutch plates you should find an odd sized one. It installs next to the spacer ring. Are all of the aftermarket plates perfectly round or is there an oblong shape to them?

A pic of a metal plate would help.

If they are perfectly round than it wont matter how you install them but if they are oblong or have an out of round area you should try and stagger them.

 

[rich1]

Since you are having a clutch problem , I would stick with the OEM parts still measure the springs , steels and plates to see if they are good. The HD clutch may just be good for dirt drags,not general riding like OEM.

 

[Herpderplol]

Either way you go, soak them in clean oil the night before installation.

And i cant tell if its the picture or its actually there, but it looks like a little dirt is on the plates. make sure they are clean

 

[RatedM]

Thanks guys, I ended up going with the stock clutch. Took everything apart, cleaned it really well and now it's smooth as a dream!!! Can't believe the difference that made.

 

[rich1]

If you look at the stock steels you will see small dimples on them that hold extra oil on the plates , smoother engagement. The aftermarket ones do not have that so they tend to hook up quick, like in drag racing.