Primary & Secondary Clutches

[sceptre]

Hey guys, have a 2003 MC 800 EFI that I picked up used with approx 2500 miles on it. What should I do to the clutches as preventative maintenance, other than springs? Are there any rebuild kits that I could get?

Also, I plan to do the spring in the primary...should I go with a Cat one or something like SLP? Is the secondary spring worth changing?

To my knowledge, the only thing the previous owner ever did (original owner) was change out the springs.

Any information on clutches would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PowderCrew]

Im not a clutch tuner... but experience has taught me:

Keep an eye on the Primary for cracks. They are NOTORIOUS for breaking apart. I had one come apart on me as well.

Your #1 maintence check IMO is your weight "sleeves/bushings" and the rollers. I have discovered if the rollers go bad, you have a 50-50 chance of getting the Spider off and saving the clutch. They "lock-tite" them on, and they are most likely NOT going to come off if the rollers go out. We tried torch heat with well over 120lbs of torque with a breaker bar. Didnt work. Plan for that in the future as clutches are EXPENSIVE! Keep an eye on your weights... if the rollers are going they'll wear a spot on your weight, and if the weight shows ANY wear, I would replace it. Dont let it go. Thats my main input... and KEEP IT CLEAN! I pressure wash mine often... air is MUCH better if you have access to a compressor. And DONT use any kind of lubricants of ANY kind.

 

[sceptre]

Thanks a million for the info. Upon inspecting my driven (secondary) I noticed some movement on the shaft. I can move the clutch in/out on the shaft a small amount. Do you know if this is normal? There is no up-down/front-back movement at all.

 

[PowderCrew]

mines a lil loose too... helps with belt alignment. (really, mines like that, not sure if its supposed to be?)

 

[1Mike900]

Yes in and out play is very normal, like said it self aligns! Just washers control this movement. MIke

 

[fishtank]

Oh sweet I mine moves in/out a little too. I busted the grease nipple off mine though so I was worried the bearing was on its way out from lack of lube.

Any other way to grease that PTO side bearing (closest to the secondary) without taking the cover off? Shove grease down the grase nipple hole?

 

[mountaincat 800]

Just drill out that grease zerk and replace it.

Oh sweet I mine moves in/out a little too. I busted the grease nipple off mine though so I was worried the bearing was on its way out from lack of lube.

Any other way to grease that PTO side bearing (closest to the secondary) without taking the cover off? Shove grease down the grase nipple hole?

 

[sceptre]

I see I can get replacement weights but from the parts pics it does not look like I can buy the rollers. It looks as though you have to purchase the spider in order to get new rollers. Any one know anything different?

 

[mbcat]

clutches

First, pull the springs, check your primary for end cap bushing wear. Should not rock up and down, get the thunder ABC kit, throw out the crappy A\C weight pins, keep the nuts and use black polaris pins. Next check each spider roller for smooth operation, as long as the weights have no flats or wear the rollers should be good. I have 7000 miles on mine but watch it like a hawk. Those older roller secs really benifit from HI-TORQUE rollers, look em up DAN will set you up. Deflection is key, slight creep is good. I ride flat lands so i have no set ups but they work descent with stock components. Toss the springs every year and run a glide washer kit in the primary, it cuts down coil bind and prevents broken primary springs. Properly maintained the older primary and sec are good clutches.