clutch cleaning

[maxwell]

just curious about what every one uses for cleaning clutches.

products you shouldnt use. on certain parts etc..

ive heard soap and water only.. etcetc.

what do you think?

 

[TABSTER]

I use Electra wash and 600 grit sand paper for a light buff to remove any belt squeek marks. I have even tried the Mr. clean magic erasers... They work.

 

[OnlyPolaris]

i use soap and water only. you don't want to use anything that will leave a film residue because it will effect the performance of your belt.

 

[ZRrrr]

Green Scotchbrite pad and the high end brake cleaner they sell at part source, blue can, gold cap (on sale right now). It's not supposed to leave any solvent residue. Hot water is tough to find at the race track. Hot soapy water and a good hot water rinse are supposed to be best. Most important part is the hot water rinse. Pulls out impurities in the pores of the aluminum. A few drops of Sunlight is the recommended detergent as it washes grease away well and does not leave soap residue.

I wash all my belts in the kitchen sink with hot water and Sunlight.

 

[smokindave]

After each weekend riding I blow out my clutches with compressed air and wash around every 4 or 5 weekends with sunlight in hot water with a cold rinse finished off with a hot rinse.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Ancient Sledder]

Green Scotchbrite pad and the high end brake cleaner they sell at part source, blue can, gold cap (on sale right now). It's not supposed to leave any solvent residue. Hot water is tough to find at the race track. Hot soapy water and a good hot water rinse are supposed to be best. Most important part is the hot water rinse. Pulls out impurities in the pores of the aluminum. A few drops of Sunlight is the recommended detergent as it washes grease away well and does not leave soap residue.

I wash all my belts in the kitchen sink with hot water and Sunlight.

I could not have said it any better myself. I've done the same for years.

 

[fnDan]

found a video from Tri-City Performance in the states. They suggest 180 grit sandpaper then wash with mild soap and water. 180 sounds pretty harsh to me.
How to set the clutch on a Polaris snowmobile | Wonder How To

 

[maxwell]

what about sandblasting. we have a aspecial bead for aluminum...would this be bad to use on the sliding sheave? just on the inside where all the tough buildup gets

 

[Modman]

what about sandblasting. we have a aspecial bead for aluminum...would this be bad to use on the sliding sheave? just on the inside where all the tough buildup gets

lots of elbow grease and what ZRrrr said, good detergent and good rinse with water. Its good to have sheaves that grab the belt but bead blasting with glass beads or a fine sand may make the surface almost too rough. They will grab the belt well but you do need a fairly smooth surface to allow the belt to slip (transition) up and down in the sheaves to change the ratios. Too rough a surface will prematurely wear your belt when it is slipping up and down on your sheaves.

 

[maxwell]

yeah i was more talking about just inside haha

 

[Modman]

yeah i was more talking about just inside haha

Roger, i getcha now, thought you meant on the inside of the sheaves.

I'd still be careful blasting in the cup and on the moveable inside, the holes for the arms and the button tracks could get damaged very easily. Any blasting medium that gets in there though will act as an abrasive, wearing parts out really fast as well.

 

[Vertical_Escape]

If sheaves/belt is glazed, I use a fine sandpaper to lightly clean and scuff. Follow that with a good soap & water wash, finish with a thorough hot water rinse. Blow out with compressed air as needed.

 

[mphfreak]

I use scotchbrite pads then followed with Acetone. Been using Acetone for years on the race track and on the trail machines. Find the clutches come really clean and the belt grabs so much harder that it will actually pull the Rpms down 100 rpm for the first couple of pulls. Thats telling me there is no slipping. Down in haydays noticed alot of racers used the same cleaning method on there clutches.