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Effects of Clutch Gap Adjustment
Larger Clutch Gap
• Harder engagement
• More sudden acceleration
• Better on a wider track or high-traction a track
• Puts excess stress on the clutch components, especially the
thrustbearing
Smaller Clutch Gap
• Softer engagement
• Smoother acceleration
• Better on a tighter track or a track with low traction
• May result in engine bogging and premature clutch shoe wear
BUILDING AND SHIMMING THE CENTAX-3 CLUTCH – END PLAY
Clutch housing end play is
the amount that the clutch
housing moves along the
crankshaft.
Adjust the end play
to a minimal amount
(0.05~0.15mm) so that
there is only a slight
amount of movement
detectable. The clutch
housing should rotate
freely.
End play is adjusted AFTER clutch gap, and is done with the clutch fully
assembled with all bearings. For information on adjusting the end play, see
the Serpent 720 Instruction Manual.
You adjust end play by placing shims (small size) over the end of the
crankshaft, in front of the flywheel nut.
Effects of Excessive End Play
When the clutch is disengaged, the thrustbearing plates are further apart.
When the clutch engages, the thrustbearing plates travel further before they
are ‘sandwiched’ together. By traveling further, more force is built up so when
the clutch engages, the thrustbearing has more force suddenly applied to it.
Too much endplay will cause premature thrustbearing wear and eventual
failure.
End play shims
End play