Last year while checking the full shift out clutch action, I discovered the cover bushing prevents the clutch from fully closing at or near full shift out. The bushing stops the shift out and the force of the weights trying to close the clutch puts tremendous strain on the cover and sheave. It is effectively pulling the cover and moveable apart with incredible force. Over time, the components may flex and weaken with each full shift out so the clutch may not fail immediately. At some point, the metal will be fatigued from ? flexing and eventually the cover and/or sheave would likely fail. At 8000rpm, a single failure point on the cover or sheave would likely result in a catastrophic failure. The speed in which pieces can be projected are quite high.
I would suspect the clutch failure to happen more in the flatland riding areas where the clutch is more likely to reach overdrive and full shift out. In the mountains and tree riding, the riding is slower and clutch loading is more. Most mountain riders won’t even see 1-1 ratio as the sled is geared for a 72mph at 1-1. Most mountain riders never see 65 mph. There may be less failures in the mountain regions.
There is about a .060” gap when the Team clutch is fully shifted out. Normally, the two clutch sheaves butted against each other are what stops the shifting at full shift out. The load is taken by the beefy spider. But not on the Team clutch. The cover is stopping full shift out and taking all the load.
I’m surprised this got by the clutching dept. and quality control. But then Team isn’t exactly known for quality either.
Anyhoo, Textron I am available to develop a better clutching system with you. It can easily be done cheaper and better than the current system. There are just too many moving parts and the sloppy tolerances combined is wearing the components too quickly. This affects performance, reliability and in in some cases, causes liability. Even if the tolerances were tightened up, the many moving pieces would likely bind. There already is major binding in the secondary with loose tolerances. Yes, people say that this clutch system is the best yet. It can be so much better though.
You can send the Textron Clutch guy up to R and D with me as we can tune up to July. I have built the combination that will put Cat in front for at least seven years with no motor modifications. Come and check it out. The Alpha clutching and a couple other things are leaving about 30% performance on the table.
I’m not being a smart ass but how many high paid engineers and multi million dollar suppliers missed the clutch cover issue? It’s kinda basic clutch knowledge is why I ask. How did this liability issue get past Team industries? How much has it cost Textron? How much will it cost Textron?
I’m in western Canada ?? and I work for free. I don’t want any money or anything. I don’t have anything to sell and I have no alterior motive except to make Cat lead by a long shot. Let’s do this.
The above are my beliefs.
w.