You might think your snowmobile's performance is at its peak. It's got great horsepower, the snowmobile suspension is perfect, and you've tuned the clutches just right. Those clutches actually contain hidden horsepower, which will give your snow machine superior performance.
Check how much clearance there is between the drive belt and the clutch sheaves. An excess will reduce your top speed and acceleration. When two identical new sleds race against one another, this is sometimes the winning factor.
In order to check your belt side clearance, slide the belt to one side of the clutch shaft. Place a feeler gauge between the clutch sheave and the side of the belt. Like the setting for your snowmobile suspension, look for the perfect range. A clearance of .010" to .020" is ideal.
If your clearance measures greater than .020", do the measurements again using a new belt this time. Sometimes the only thing causing excess is a worn drive belt. You don't want to adjust things unless you need to.
If adjustment is necessary, take off the spider and either add or subtract shims as needed. Check your local dealer for shims if you don't have any; the same dealer who handled your snowmobile suspension is fine. Special tools are also available for spider removal or clutch service.
Clutching system cleanliness is a second factor of snowmobile performance. Clutch sheaves grab the belt when they are clean. Material such as mold, oil, grease, gasoline, or even rubber build-up increase slippage and give you less power.
Never use solvent-based cleaners like alcohol, petroleum, cleaning solvents, or other chemical-based products when cleaning clutches and belts. These absorb into the rubber or aluminum and cause even more slippage. To scrape off rubber build-up, scuff the area with steel wool, wash the clutch faces in hot soapy water, and air blow or wipe dry.
For particularly stubborn areas, use 180-grit sandpaper, being careful not to create low spots. To remove contaminates, follow the same procedures listed above while using a medium to soft bristle brush. The cleanliness of the clutch compartment is also important.
Check how much clearance there is between the drive belt and the clutch sheaves. An excess will reduce your top speed and acceleration. When two identical new sleds race against one another, this is sometimes the winning factor.
In order to check your belt side clearance, slide the belt to one side of the clutch shaft. Place a feeler gauge between the clutch sheave and the side of the belt. Like the setting for your snowmobile suspension, look for the perfect range. A clearance of .010" to .020" is ideal.
If your clearance measures greater than .020", do the measurements again using a new belt this time. Sometimes the only thing causing excess is a worn drive belt. You don't want to adjust things unless you need to.
If adjustment is necessary, take off the spider and either add or subtract shims as needed. Check your local dealer for shims if you don't have any; the same dealer who handled your snowmobile suspension is fine. Special tools are also available for spider removal or clutch service.
Clutching system cleanliness is a second factor of snowmobile performance. Clutch sheaves grab the belt when they are clean. Material such as mold, oil, grease, gasoline, or even rubber build-up increase slippage and give you less power.
Never use solvent-based cleaners like alcohol, petroleum, cleaning solvents, or other chemical-based products when cleaning clutches and belts. These absorb into the rubber or aluminum and cause even more slippage. To scrape off rubber build-up, scuff the area with steel wool, wash the clutch faces in hot soapy water, and air blow or wipe dry.
For particularly stubborn areas, use 180-grit sandpaper, being careful not to create low spots. To remove contaminates, follow the same procedures listed above while using a medium to soft bristle brush. The cleanliness of the clutch compartment is also important.
About the Author:
Zbroz Racing carries ATV Shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and Snowmobile suspension parts. We carry many brands, including Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, can-am, DRR ATV, and Yamaha. ZbrozRacing 695 West 1700 South Logan, UT 84321 435-753-7774 www.zbrozracing.com
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