Howdoestheclutchsystemwork-4x4Brasil.docVIP

How does the clutch system work? ? In order to optimize snowmobile clutch system efficiency, it is important to have a general understanding of the systems various components and how they work. The following report from?Gates?Corporation examines the three basic components of the clutch system - the primary or primary engine pulley, the secondary pulley and the belt. Unlike an automotive transmission system, the belt and pulley mechanism on a snowmobile serves as both the clutch and the gear system. In making the transition from a starting gear ratio to the final top gear, the snowmobile uses two belt pulleys which have the ability to open and close axially (sideways) so that a specially designed belt can ride in various positions in each pulley.? Fig. 1 Typical Clutch System (Shown in High Gear) ? Fig. 1 illustrates a typical clutch system. The systems primary pulley is located on the engine crankshaft and serves as the clutch and engine rpm controlling device (via centrifugal weights). The secondary pulley has a torque-sensing capability allowing the belt drive to shift automatically to an appropriate ratio.? As the connection by which the two pulleys communicate with each other, the belt must clutch (slip compliantly) and transmit full engine power with virtually no slippage from the primary pulley to the secondary pulley.? The primary pulley Fig. 2 Primary Pulley Section (shown in both de-clutched/low gear high postions) In Fig. 2, a section of the primary pulley is shown in both the low and high gear positions. The spring pressure holds the pulley halves apart when the engine rpm is low to facilitate de-clutching. As rpm increases, the centrifugal forces created by the clutch weights overcome the spring pressure and close the pulley sufficiently to engage the belt and start transmitting power.? The squeezing force created by the clutch weights continues to increase as the engine rpm increases. Assuming the sled is properly geared and has sufficient h