Bad clutch wrecked our ride to Melgeorge’s !

[M.T.P.]

My 2016 Rtx clutch went to crap yesterday! It had 3250 miles on it when it started acting weird on initial engagement. Managed to limp it home (100 miles).
Took it apart on the trail, nothing broken. Found a place with a compressor and blew a little dust out... Rusty and the guys over at Hauck Power tried to help out with some phone tech, nothing but a bunch of head scratching ensued.
I think the thing is toast! 25 years of riding Yamies,,, one thing I never worried about was stock clutches!!!
Lots of deep snow lake crossings and river rides this season here in Northern Mn, just wondering why this happened?
I’ve been hearing that there has been problems with the 3 cylinder sleds and clutches, which is weird for me I had 9,000 on our 10 year old 2006 vector when I let that go to get the Rtx...
Any thoughts on a more permanent fix?
I’ve been hearing some talk about Power-Bloc, I guess their 80 model might work ?
If any of you guys has some advice or thoughts, Thanks in advance...

 

[74Nitro]

My 2016 Rtx clutch went to crap yesterday! It had 3250 miles on it when it started acting weird on initial engagement. Managed to limp it home (100 miles).
Took it apart on the trail, nothing broken. Found a place with a compressor and blew a little dust out... Rusty and the guys over at Hauck Power tried to help out with some phone tech, nothing but a bunch of head scratching ensued.
I think the thing is toast! 25 years of riding Yamies,,, one thing I never worried about was stock clutches!!!
Lots of deep snow lake crossings and river rides this season here in Northern Mn, just wondering why this happened?
I’ve been hearing that there has been problems with the 3 cylinder sleds and clutches, which is weird for me I had 9,000 on our 10 year old 2006 vector when I let that go to get the Rtx...
Any thoughts on a more permanent fix?
I’ve been hearing some talk about Power-Bloc, I guess their 80 model might work ?
If any of you guys has some advice or thoughts, Thanks in advance...

You say you found nothing wrong with it?
Pics?

 

[M.T.P.]

I couldn’t find anything particularly wrong with the clutch . No broken rollers or damaged weights. The rollers may be slightly worn but nothing that I thought should cause the type of trouble it’s having. What happens is upon initial engagement the belt Slips and makes a horrible squeaking sound and you can smell the belt burning

 

[74Nitro]

I couldn’t find anything particularly wrong with the clutch . No broken rollers or damaged weights. The rollers may be slightly worn but nothing that I thought should cause the type of trouble it’s having. What happens is upon initial engagement the belt Slips and makes a horrible squeaking sound and you can smell the belt burning

What is the belt part number? When the sled is at a standstill, is the belt at the proper height in the secondary clutch?

 

[ViperBill]

Broken secondary spring?

 

[M.T.P.]

What is the belt part number? When the sled is at a standstill, is the belt at the proper height in the secondary clutch?

It had the original stock belt, I was carrying a brand new spare. Same thing with either belt, went back n forth with em a couple times. I’d have to check the part #, all I know is it ain’t 8-DN anymore...

 

[M.T.P.]

Broken secondary spring?

Ya know,,, I’m gonna have to look at that! I’ve never even heard that could be “a thing “!

 

[M.T.P.]

What is the belt part number? When the sled is at a standstill, is the belt at the proper height in the secondary clutch?

I would have to say , No, the belt was not sitting at normal height at rest...

 

[74Nitro]

If it had the 8dn on and was set up for it, and then you went back to the 8jp, it would be too tight.
Troubleshooting over the phone/internet isn't easy, but it sounds like a secondary/belt deflection issue.
Does the sled work fine once you are driving above 10mph or so?

 

[NewViper]

Broken secondary spring

 

[74Nitro]

Also check your secondary cam buttons, as sometimes they break right off.

 

[74Nitro]

I've never seen a secondary spring break, but it would definitely cause these symptoms.

 

[ViperBill]

Happened to me at about 5k mi. Same symptom as op

 

[M.T.P.]

If it had the 8dn on and was set up for it, and then you went back to the 8jp, it would be too tight.
Troubleshooting over the phone/internet isn't easy, but it sounds like a secondary/belt deflection issue.
Does the sled work fine once you are driving above 10mph or so?

Both belts were the correct stock belt. I wouldn’t say it ran fine above 10 miles an hour but it was pretty good between 10 and 60 then it seemed to be a little bit weak if you try to get on the big end

 

[M.T.P.]

Also check your secondary cam buttons, as sometimes they break right off.

All of the secondary cams are still intact I had inspected the spring but didn’t notice that it was broken I guess I’ll be taking that apart this morning. I have a half a dozen or so secondary springs laying around in the garage I wonder if one of those from an old Sxr or SX viper would allow me to test it at least?