Clutch Replacement Needed?

[kg5000]

I have a stock Zenoah G260RC that I've run off and on for over 20 years. The stock clutch has always seemed fine. On my last run the layshaft gear got loose and fell off so I have the engine out.

I noticed the clutch and wonder how to tell if it needs replacement. Is there a wear pattern I should be looking for or other clue it's time to replace the clutch?

How hard is it to replace a clutch?

UPDATE: I found a good clutch replacement video created by DDM at the bottom of this post.

Thanks for any info,
Ken

 

[Mick Mars]

Ton of material on there, clean it and clutch bell with some sand paper. Check bolts are tight and run it. Don't waste money replacing usable parts.

 

[kg5000]

Thanks for the advice. I agree that there appears to be plenty of clutch shoe material left. Is the goal to use sandpaper to scuff up the glazing of the surface?

 

[Mick Mars]

Yes try to remove the glazed shiny stuff. I just use some 220 grit. Blow compressed air in everything if you can to clean up or brake clean.....prefer a water based.... l think l use crc brand, dollar stores or most auto parts carry.What kind of rc are you working on.....baja buggy. Rovan stuff all pretty good for replacement parts as far as hpi baja stuff.

 

[kg5000]

I have a Duratrax Firehammer bought originally in 2004 or 2005. It was made by Smartech which also made the Carson Attack buggy. It's a bit of a hybrid clone of FG's Marder and touring car. I replaced the Chinese 23cc engine with a Zenoah G260RC from DDM about a year after getting the buggy. I have also added an X-Can exhaust, Bartolone velocity stack, FG LSD and all the servos.

It has been sitting on a garage shelf for several years. I would pull it down every couple of years and run it once or twice. When I did this recently I discovered the fuel lines and primer bulb of the car were degraded. I decided to tear the car all the way down (except the engine) to clean and rebuild what I found. Ended up replacing all the fuel lines, carb, air filter and plug. It's running very well now with a few things coming loose during runs.

On my last run yesterday my layshaft gear came off so I pulled the engine to reattach. That's when I saw the glazing on the clutch and wondered if it should be serviced or replaced.

 

[Mick Mars]

Very cool !!!! Several folks have em on here. I think one of the forums is dedicated to just those rc's. Scroll down to the forum list!!!