Apex secondary clutch question on metal finish.

[Lightning Strikes Rider]

So I was looking over the belt tension and inspecting the clutches on my sled and seen something I never noticed before. When you look at the photos you will see between the fins there's two sections that are rough looking almost like spider cracks? What do you guys think is there an issue here? To me all the inside's between the fins should be all nice and smooth metal finish. It's making me wonder if it was forgotten in manufacturing? So what do you guys think am I panicking for nothing?

 

[radianguy]

I got freaked out the first time I noticed the same thing on my Vectors clutch, apparently it's normal, part of the casting process.

 

[Len Todd]

Looks crappy. But we all have these marks to one degree or another.

 

[Lightning Strikes Rider]

Has anyone done anything with a tool to clean it up? I'm thinking of doing something to give it a polished look.

 

[Len Todd]

I have not heard of anyone messing with cleaning it up. Also, I would be careful grinding on the thing. I had a chunk of AC primary come up through the hood and take a slice out of my helmet back in '73. Ended the race right there and ever since I have had a lot of respect for these things. Fortunately, now days they have shields installed.

 

[Lightning Strikes Rider]

I hear you on that I had a metal cutting wheel disk blow up on me. Flew up and hit my safety glasses and hardhat. Was lucky didn't get hurt on that day.

 

[70superbee]

Well there is a way to clean that up. All you have to is buy a pair of windage plates polish them and put them on. Then it looks real nice, just contact Ulmer Racing and they will hook you right up.

Rich

 

[aVenture]

Well there is a way to clean that up. All you have to is buy a pair of windage plates polish them and put them on. Then it looks real nice, just contact Ulmer Racing and they will hook you right up

I'd rather look at my dirty cracks. Should one i see find it's way toward center i clean it good and make this piece exposed on garage's wall... that's all its good for. As Len Todd said... not good when they blow.

 

[TrailxRider]

The other day I noticed this also and also on the inside of the sheaves at the very bottom where they slide over each other. It looks rough.

Is this normal and should I gently sand it? When I was changing my belt every now and then because of the rough surface there were times that once the sheaves were seperated they stayed open and didn't close like I thought they would. Maybe I'm over reacting but this is my first sled and not sure if this is normal.

I feel better that the ouside are casting marks and they are fine but not sure about the bottom inside of the sheaves.

 

[Len Todd]

TrailxRider:

The secondary should close freely when the belt is out. It could be time to take the Secondary apart and clean it. Also, the sliders and Spring may need replacement. What degree of twist do you have the Secondary Spring set at?

Oh, ... Did you have a picture you were going to post? I am not sure what you are referring to in your post about having to sand it off, on the insides of the sheaves where they overlap, etc.

 

[idahorider]

clutch cracks

It's normal . Mines also like that. remember to maintain your clutches!!
This is so often ignored it's amazing.use compressed air at least to blow them out of all the belt dust frequently. Also if you have been running it hard for a while stop and remove the sidecover and let them cool off.
If you do this regularly your clutches and belts will last a lot longer.
Break in a new belt also with some easy miles before you romp on it.
I like to put some easy miles on a new belt and then change it out so my spare is already broken in.
I have watched many people blow a belt and then change it to a new one with hot clutches and hammer on it . then notice these same guys belts lasting one quarter of the time they should!