clutch problems

[bigmandengo]

just got my max 2 back together and went for a test ride. The machine topped out at 12 mph on gps. i checked and the engine at wot is 3900 rpm. The secondary clutch doesnt seem to be engaging all the way. what can i do to check it or is there anything else i can do?

[jerseybigfoot]

Clutch problems

The first thing you should check is that the correct belt is installed. I have seen many loose belts on machines with the usual complaint of " it' slow and won't climb".
The belt should fit snug with about 1" deflection when pressed from one side.
The belt also should fit slightly above the outside of the driven pulley.

The faces of the pulleys should be smooth. Rusty pulley faces will only wear the belt out. Grooves faces on the drive clutch will cause erratic shifting.

[jerseybigfoot]

Here is some additional photos of CVT parts that still work but not well.
1. The rusty pulley will wear out the belt quickly.
2. The clutch sides are worn unevenly. Probably from a belt that is too long or from other clutch spring or bushing issues.
3. The Driven unit with the loose spring actually worked but stayed in a lower range limiting the top speed. The damage is caused by failure of the snap ring to retain the cam.

[George]

Thanks for the pictures on this stuff JBF!

[bigmandengo]

thanks for the replys. i cleaned all the rust on the shafts and everything off the primary and secondary and she tops out at 18 now. i think i have a 1 1/8 belt. would a 1 3/16 make that much of a difference, because i think thats what its supposed to have.

[jerseybigfoot]

The belt width will make a difference. is you belt sitting in the trans side pulley like picture 2 in the first set? O is it sitting deeper? A Worn or under width belt will sit deeper in the pulley and will make a difference in top speed. 6mph is a significant gain. Does the CVT shift fully when in neutral and the engine revved up? The engine clutch should be completely pinched and the belt running slightly shallow of the outside diameter of the engine clutch. Assuming your belt is is the correct length and fits properly and the clutch pinches the belt properly you may have an engine issue. Check the engine speed when driving with WOT and if the revves are lower you have an engine issue. What size tires are you using? smaller tires will also limit the speed. Top speed is about 24 for a 16 hp max 2.

[bigmandengo]

it has 21" tires and the belt sits in the cvt fine when off, but it doesnt go all the way down it when revving it in neutral

[bigmandengo]

i just installed a dayco 1039 belt and added a 16hp carburetor. I adjusted it to rev to 4200 in neutral but it still tops out at like 16-18mph

[jerseybigfoot]

Does the new belt seem tighter or is there more slack between the engine and transmission?

[Hey_Dan]

Clutch

1998 and older maxes used a different clutch set up that never closed the engine clutch all the way, limiting the top speed. If that is the case with yours, switching to the current springs and weights in the drive(engine) clutch would raise your top speed and improve performance. R.I. sells the parts required to update it as a "high speed clutch kit".

[bigmandengo]

The belt has about 1 1/2" deflection. does anyone know how much this high speed clutch kit sells for? Thanks for all the replys

[bigmandengo]

well i called recreatives today and they sell this kit for about $90. seems a little pricey for some rollers and springs.

[bigmandengo]

i purchased the high speed clutch kit for the primary and the red spring for the secondary and i now am getting 27mph on gps. what a diference. it could have been that the old springs and rollers were just worn out. the whole experience was good considering i more than doubled my top speed and learned alot about my machine.

[Mike]

Thanks for the follow up. I know it will help someone later on. Best of all though, you got the speed you were looking for.

[RobertGO]

Does Recreatives have a web page?