Is a modification to allow more clutch cool air warranted?

[Frostbite]

At the Spokane snow show I saw Dave Konopaski's mod RX-1 sled. He had drilled a number of holes (I'd guess 3/8-1/2") in the black plastic directly in front of his primary clutch. He some how attached window screen on the inside to keep the snow out and said he has never gotten any snow inside. He has also "opened up" the louvers above the left foot well. He stated it dropped his clutch temperatures 30 degrees when measured with a heat gun.
Do you feel this mod may be worthwhile? Dave predominantly climbs mountains and run heel clickers. Maybe that's why his clutches get so hot? I may go ahead and do this today but I thought I'd ask for opinions. PB

 

[KbxSrx]

cool clutches

good idea if you can keep the snow out

 

[Frostbite]

Yes I did see it. It was on a Polaris if I remember correctly. That's just one more thing to run off an already potentially overloaded electrical system. I like dave's idea better. It's free, it doesn't add weight and it draws no electrical load. PB

 

[Mighty]

Re: Is a modification to allow more clutch cool air warrante

Dave predominantly climbs mountains and run heel clickers. Maybe that's why his clutches get so hot? I may go ahead and do this today but I thought I'd ask for opinions. PB

There's your reason.

 

[Buckeye]

Filters

Here you go PB. These nifty things will keep the snow out, Just drill the holes and they pop in.

http://www.startinglineproducts.com/Yam ... write.html

Sorry, I forgot the link

 

[Frostbite]

Buckeye, did I miss something? Are you refering to some type of small filter that I could put in the holes instead of window screen? I'm all ears. PB

 

[ExTrEeMF7]

use bulleyes from d-d or dalton they run them on f7 and f6 air box they also work on the rx1 for that reason not for air box but you can get them in many colors and put them in your hood.

 

[Frostbite]

That's a great idea but in the deep powder with my RX-1M I am thinking there could be a lot of direct pressure from snow trying to go through the filters. I'm not sure the fabric used on these filters is up to the job?
I'm thinking a fine weave of hardware cloth (thin metal) may be the best for the long run? PB

 

[Otis RX]

Another idea.......... I just installed a TPI valve on top of the belt guard. It allows a direct flow from the hood vents to the clutches and comes with a foam screen. If it gets snowy you can quickly close it or keep it partially open. Clutch runs much cooler.

 

[Frostbite]

Great idea! Perhaps both together could drop clutch temps. to record lows? I bought some black window screen yesterday but the more I think about it the more I like the idea of the clean installation provided by the TPI or the SLP filterd vents. The problem with the TPI is in deep powder when I would want to close it to prevent snow from penatrating the filter material is when I'd need the cooling air the most. Hum?

 

[Otis RX]

Powder Blue.......true, but us poor flat landers in Mass. (1500ft) rarely/never see the kind of powder you get.
A heavy snow storm or following too close and getting someone dust is about it. We're heavy lake runners.
What I like about the TPI set up is it's clean and fits right next to the spare belt. It's only a belt guard so you can afford to screw it up. It's not like your cutting into the hood or belly pan.
OTIS

 

[KbxSrx]

filters

do you have pics of your install?

 

[Frostbite]

I haven't done it yet. I plan to order a SLP "Flow Rite" instead of the window screen. I think it would work just fine (I hope). In the rear I will open up several of the molded louvers to allow the hot air to exit the sled and warm my left leg :lol: PB

 

[Otis RX]

KBX....... I'll try and take a pic today and post it later. Sweet and clean!
OTIS

 

[Frostbite]

Excellent! I just need to get off my butt and do it! Thanks for being proactive. PB