You might think your snowmobile's performance is at its peak. It's got great horsepower, the snowmobile suspension is perfect, and you've tuned the clutches just right. Those clutches actually contain hidden horsepower, which will give your snow machine superior performance.
Check how much clearance there is between the drive belt and the clutch sheaves. An excess will reduce your top speed and acceleration. When two identical new sleds race against one another, this is sometimes the winning factor.
To check your clearance, slide the drive belt to one side of the clutch shaft. Slide a feeler gauge between the sheave and the side of the belt. Ideally you should have a clearance of .010"to .020"at the max. This perfect range is even more important than the setting you might have for your snowmobile suspension.
Mark once, measure twice. Take these measurements again with a new belt if your clearance does not fall within this specific range. There's no need to mess around with the clutch if your only issue is a worn drive belt.
In order to adjust the clearance, remove the spider and either add or subtract shims as you need to. Check your dealer for more shims if you need them. Special tools for clutch service and spider removal are also available, as well as those for snowmobile suspension.
Another factor of snowmobile performance is clutching system cleanliness. When clean, clutch sheaves grab the belt best. Often times oil, grease, gasoline, rubber build-up, or even mold cause slippage and decrease your power.
Never use solvent-based cleaners like alcohol, petroleum, cleaning solvents, or other chemical-based products when cleaning clutches and belts. These absorb into the rubber or aluminum and cause even more slippage. To scrape off rubber build-up, scuff the area with steel wool, wash the clutch faces in hot soapy water, and air blow or wipe dry.
For stubborn areas, use 180-grit sandpaper but be careful not to create unwanted low spots. To remove contaminates, use a medium to soft bristle brush and follow the same procedures listed above. The clutch compartment may also need cleaning.
Check how much clearance there is between the drive belt and the clutch sheaves. An excess will reduce your top speed and acceleration. When two identical new sleds race against one another, this is sometimes the winning factor.
To check your clearance, slide the drive belt to one side of the clutch shaft. Slide a feeler gauge between the sheave and the side of the belt. Ideally you should have a clearance of .010"to .020"at the max. This perfect range is even more important than the setting you might have for your snowmobile suspension.
Mark once, measure twice. Take these measurements again with a new belt if your clearance does not fall within this specific range. There's no need to mess around with the clutch if your only issue is a worn drive belt.
In order to adjust the clearance, remove the spider and either add or subtract shims as you need to. Check your dealer for more shims if you need them. Special tools for clutch service and spider removal are also available, as well as those for snowmobile suspension.
Another factor of snowmobile performance is clutching system cleanliness. When clean, clutch sheaves grab the belt best. Often times oil, grease, gasoline, rubber build-up, or even mold cause slippage and decrease your power.
Never use solvent-based cleaners like alcohol, petroleum, cleaning solvents, or other chemical-based products when cleaning clutches and belts. These absorb into the rubber or aluminum and cause even more slippage. To scrape off rubber build-up, scuff the area with steel wool, wash the clutch faces in hot soapy water, and air blow or wipe dry.
For stubborn areas, use 180-grit sandpaper but be careful not to create unwanted low spots. To remove contaminates, use a medium to soft bristle brush and follow the same procedures listed above. The clutch compartment may also need cleaning.
About the Author:
At Zbroz Racing, we are dedicated to making sure you're outdoors having fun with a smooth ride by offering ATV shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and snowmobile suspension fitting brands like Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha, can-am, and DRR ATV. ZbrozRacing 695 West 1700 South Logan, UT 84321 435-753-7774 www.zbrozracing.com
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