Hi, my name is Elliott and I've been enjoying my 80cc kit for a couple months now. I just replaced the standard sprocket with the 36 tooth and now it seems my clutch is slipping (as in I can't even start the engine). when I turn the drive shaft by hand everything seems fine, but when I try to start the engine (obviously faster cranking than by hand) the clutch just slips.

I took off the clutch/gear cover and clutch plate. The pads seem smooth(to the touch) but I believe they have plenty of material on them.

Do I need to adjust the clutch somehow or do I need new pads? (I can post pictures if that would help).

(sorry if I was verbose, but I want to make sure I'm explaining everything right :o)

First off, try this- clean the pads with some spray brake cleaner, then scuff them up with some 220 grit sandpaper, or something close. (you just want to break the shine on them, not remove a bunch of material).

Finally, spray them clean one more time. Assemble it and try it.

If that doesn't work, you'll need to make a clutch adjustment.

Too much clutch free play or too little clutch free play will not allow the engine to engage. Which the result may be that engine will not start.

Adjust the clutch cable at the clutch lever for fine adjustment or on the engine at the clutch lever arm for gross adjustment.

If your clutch begins to slip through heavy use, try this.

Remove the 5 screws holding the right side clutch cover.

On the main clutch you will see a star shaped nut that is secured with a small retaining screw.

Remove the small retaining screw.

Hold the clutch lever in. Turn the star nut in several turns.

Reattach the retaining screw for the star nut.

Finally, adjust the cable free play on the clutch arm to pull out the slack.

What you have just done is to pre-load the clutch with more tension.

Cheers, Roland

Thanks everyone for the input!

I cleaned the pads and scuffed them a little with sandpaper and everything seems to be working fine.

if I ever need to replace these pads (I know they come already assembled on the gear) how do I get the old gear/pads out?

I know how to take the clutch plate off as well as the nut behind it, but the gear certainly won't slide off (I think...?)

furthermore, how long should these clutch pads last?

Thanks again for all the help!

I believe you remove the nut holding the sprocket on and it all comes out. (from the clutch side, where you had the cover off) I may be wrong here....Oh Spooky!

Clutches with proper pre-load, and strong clutch springs should last nearly forever. We rarely ever have to replace clutch pads, unless there is a major oil leak beneath the small pinion gear oil seal. In that case the oil seal would leak and throw oil on the pads. I have run into problems with clutches wearing early on the Ruihong Canada motors. Those have a round clutch pad. Most other factories have a square pad.

To replace the pads, just pop them out. They are a tight fit and come out with a little pry from a screwdriver.

Post edited by: spookyto, at: 2008/03/06 17:37

I've got just over 3,0000 miles on my motor and I've never had to take it apart. Not one thing has gone wrong. Regular maintenance is the key I believe.

I drilled some holes in my clutch cover to help keep the clutch pads cool....Works good, you just have to keep it clean...I blow some compressed air in there to get rid of any dirt,ect.ect.ect....
I live in FL. and things get a little warm here...LOL...
Paul...