to lube or not to lube..???

[m8magicandmystery]

ok...i know we have all the smart guys on this forum so i need an answer...no where in any manual to my knowledge does it indicate to lube a crankshaft taper when re-installing a primary clutch..i never have because i have always been afraid of the clutch walking on the taper and galling...yet it would be nice to lube for easier future removal..(anti-sieze etc)...so what is the answer...can it be done even though i don;t know of a sled manufacturer that recommends it..??

 

[Midstates]

No lube. Anti-seize is ok. Helps with corrosion. Brad

 

[skibreeze]

No lube. Anti-seize is ok. Helps with corrosion. Brad

Wrong! Nothing goes on the taper.

 

[cascadesnowjunky]

Do not put anything or you will probably regret it. Use emery cloth or a scotchbrite pad and clean both the clutch and the crank super clean then install.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

i like the replies..we are leaning hard one direction...

 

[skibreeze]

Pretty easy actually, you do not want anything that will prevent the clutch and crank snub from acting as one. If it spins at all, that's where the problems start. You want the mounting surfaces very clean, I use fine steel wool and then brake cleaner.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

dont put anything on it. its a VERY tight toleranced taper, anything that interferes with the fit doesnt allow it to work. I have seen clutches get so seated on there you could run them without the bolt and they wouldnt move. like others said, VERY fine cleaning material and maybe some part cleaner, even a tiny bit of rust flakage intereferes with the mating surfaces. get em clean and install.

 

[diggerdown]

Dry and clean, that goes for the inside of the clutch taper too. Most clutches get over torqued. Torque to spec. run un the engine and rev it up a few times. Loosen the clutch bolt and retorque.

 

[94fordguy]

Agreed, Clean and dry. If your clutch bolt was to ever break, you may get LUCKY and not have the whole clutch fly off with a good seat job.

 

[Ephratafarmer]

NO lube, clean and dry, don't even touch crank end or inside the clutch were crank end goes with your fingers, ( oil ) I never retorque, I've have seen problems, getting it to tight. Remember if it won't come off, no big hits, just put oil in the end of the crank, and tethlon tape on the puller threads, she comes off easy and fast.