Q. How do I measure the 1/32” gap between the crankshaft and the clutch bushing?
A. The gap is measured using a standard ruler, or other measuring device. The gap is important so that the bushing is not being clamped on the crankshaft. If the bushing is being clamped by the bolt and washer that retains it, the bushing will fail prematurely. If the clutch is longer than your crankshaft then a spacer is needed that will lengthen the shaft. If the clutch is mounted so that the sprocket is towards the inside of the engine, then the gap can be measured from between the hub of the clutch to the end of the crankshaft.

Q. How do I best oil the clutch bushing?
A. To best oil the clutch, first remove it from the shaft, then remove the snapring that holds the bushing in the sprocket. Once removed oil the bushing, and reassemble.

Q. Can I oil the clutch bushing without removing it from the shaft?
A. Yes, if necessary the clutch can be oiled while it is still on the shaft. Try to get oil in under the sprocket, overspray will not affect the clutch permanently, however may cause some slip initially until it burns off.

Q. Can the clutch be rebuilt?
A. Yes, replacement bushings and springs are available through a list of distributors, (see dealer list at left).

Q. What do I have to do if my clutch was smoking?
A. All new clutches will smoke some, and possibly release some odor as the parts wear in. Also every time that oil is added the clutch will burn some of it off, this is normal (as is some initial slip caused by the oil). If the clutch was smoking and it hadn’t been oiled, and wasn’t new then there may be some heat damage. If the clutch still seems to operate normally, then let it cool down some, and continue to use it, however, if it starts to engage before it should normally, then install new springs, and service the clutch.

Q. The kart does not move and the clutch isn’t transmitting torque, what should I do?
A. Start by checking to see the RPM of the engine. If the engine is below 2300 RPM’s the clutch will NOT engage. If you have no way to check the RPM of the engine, then run it for a few minutes, and see if the clutch gets hot. Do not check the temperature by making contact with the clutch, as it may be VERY, VERY hot. If the clutch is getting hot, then it is transmitting power to the wheels. The problem may be the Karts gear ratio. The gear ratio would be to high in this case, and would need to be dropped. Try contacting the manufacturer of the kart to see if they offer a reduction kit for the kart.

Q. Can the setscrew be used to hold the clutch on the crankshaft?
A. Not by itself. The setscrew is not sufficient to be used to retain the clutch. A bolt and washer MUST be used to hold the clutch on the shaft.

Q. How do you change out the springs?
A. Changing out the springs is best done with a set of internal snapring pliers. The snapring pliers are used to spread the spring apart. Be careful not to spread the springs apart any further than necessary or you could damage the springs. If you stretch the springs just far enough to put them on, there will be no problem due to over stretching.

Q. Will the clutch work with O-ring chain?
A. Unfortunately no. The clutch was designed to run with the standard chains, and not the wider o-ring chains.

Q. How long should the clutch last?
A. If the clutch is put on the crankshaft properly, and following good riding practices found on this site…… a clutch should last many years. However, if the clutch is improperly installed, and driven in abusive conditions the clutch might only last 20 minutes. Blued shoes are a tell tale sign of the abuse that the clutch has been subject to. The Hilliard Extreme Duty clutch contains a 30 day, 1 time replacement of the clutch if there are manufacturer defects found on the clutch. Hilliard is not responsible for damage caused by misuse or improper installation.