4th clutch on the way

[John Jackson]

Synergists! what is the correct gap of clutch shoe to bell? I've now tore up a third clutch on a new new liner. I'm just gonna redo it all. how do you guys check this gap? feeler gauges?  also has anybody tried the N7 clutch in the n5c?

Thanks

[Ross Lawton]

Hi John,

Thats very peculiar, i've not come across this myself but i can suggest a couple of things to check and try.

How is the engine/clutch stack alignment? if there is any missalignment this could cause undue stressed in the system and could fatigue the clutch shoes.

The usual gap that i like to have between the clutch and the lining is to get the clutch and wrap it with two layers of electrical insulation tape, this should give the perfect gap distance to allow the engine to idle without the cllutch engaging the clutch bell.

On the subject of the N7 clutch in the N5c, i've never tried it but they are design for their respective engine sizes so have a difference in physical mass so i would'nt recomend it.

Hope this helps and let us know how you go,
Cheers,
Ross

[John Jackson]

Ross, Ive done the electrical tape thing many times and at this point I've taken great effort to ensure a drag free idle. the only thing I can think of is the gap. The tape method seems a little too imprecise at the moment. whats odd is I flew  last year with one clutch. this year I can't get but 10 or less flights. I need to find a new problem 'cause I'm over this one...so I'll pose the question again. What is the recommended gap tolerance?

[Mike Spano]

I think that you will find that 99% of people use the electrical tape method. that is the only method I have ever used, even with my gassers.

[trhammonds]

Can you give me a little more details as far as tearing of the liner.

[John Jackson]

no liner tears just broken clutches. I'm going to tear it down tonight. the clutch seems to break in flight(somehow). I have noticed when I bring it in I hit throttle hold at about 3 feet and as its floating in It sounds real lean. I re-fuel and go to start and find its broken.