What is the best way to clean rubber build up off of the primary clutch?
Rubber build up on the primary
- Thread starter TimD
- Start date
brake cleaner and pot scrubber pad, but not one with soap on it
Right on, thank you.
Last year I read an article in a snowmobile mag that said you should never use brake cleaner, acetone, WD40 or any other harsh fluids or cleansers to clean your clutches. Apparently the clutch surface is porous and absorbs some of the chemicals in these cleaners. When the clutch surface warms up it releases these chemicals which in turn wind up on your belt and can cause slipping or premature belt failure.
The article suggested using those Scotch Brite pads, (like a pot scrubber pad) or a very fine grit emery cloth or sand paper. Also said to clean in a gentle circular motion leaving behind visible surface scratch marks as you go. This sounded pretty harsh to me but I tried it with emery cloth and after a ride or two you could no longer see any of the scratches on the clutch surface. It worked great.
I take the belt off and take it to the sink with hot soapy water and let it soak while i prep up/clean the clutches. Hit the clutches with a red scotchbrite pad. Like KFD said, circular motion creating a somewhat cross hatch, following that up with compressed air, blowing everything out again. I used to use carb spray for cleaning everything, till i realized it did leave a fine film behind. Brake clean seems alright, have also used rubbing alcohol as well. Then go back to the belt and give it a gentle scrub down with the scotchbrite, rinse it out real good, and hang it up to dry. Works for me.
ooh dishwasher... i have a load of dishes almost ready to go haha, good thinkin!
S
sledhead004
Member
green scotch brite, all you need 
Great info, thanks.
do you use soap
I have been cleaning clutch surfaces with ACETONE last 15 years with no issues.... Dont use emery cloth at all! It leaves scratch and shorten belt life plus fine tiny dust particles will get to wear points and shorten bushing life also. I have seen some people use green scotchbrite pads but myself I dont use because ACETONE do excellent job getting hard to clean rubbers off with shop towels.
