Tim Koscho
New member
My wife has an '03 Viper with a sticking clutch problem.
I removed the belt and watched the action of the clutch upon acceleration and deceleration. As the rpm's came up slowly the clutch did not move until way past the normal clutch engagement rpm (3800) and then it moved suddenly instead of gradually. Upon returning to an idle and stopping the engine the clutch stayed in the same position it was in when it "flew into engagement". I sprayed a degreaseing cleaner on the areas of the clutch that slide and tapped the sheave with a rubber hammer until it came back to it's home position of which had to be done several times before starting to perform normally. There appeared to some dirt or other matter that the cleaner was washing away.
Is there a prevention for this problem or is this a normal occurance?
The viper has about 700 miles on it.
I removed the belt and watched the action of the clutch upon acceleration and deceleration. As the rpm's came up slowly the clutch did not move until way past the normal clutch engagement rpm (3800) and then it moved suddenly instead of gradually. Upon returning to an idle and stopping the engine the clutch stayed in the same position it was in when it "flew into engagement". I sprayed a degreaseing cleaner on the areas of the clutch that slide and tapped the sheave with a rubber hammer until it came back to it's home position of which had to be done several times before starting to perform normally. There appeared to some dirt or other matter that the cleaner was washing away.
Is there a prevention for this problem or is this a normal occurance?
The viper has about 700 miles on it.
yamvip
New member
Is it the primary or secondary???
Tim Koscho
New member
'03 Viper stock clutch help
Thanks for the interest in our problem yamvip!
It is the primary clutch.
Thanks for the interest in our problem yamvip!
It is the primary clutch.
The dirt you are seeing is most likely belt dust. It can build up over time, and cause binding/wear on the clutch bushings. I'll blow the dust out with compressed air after a few rides, it's amazing how much crap there is in there. Be sure and wear a protective mask, so you dont beathe in the dust.
You may have to pull the 6 cover bolts and move the sheave in. So you can gain access to the back side of the moveable sheave bushing to clean the shaft.
You may have to pull the 6 cover bolts and move the sheave in. So you can gain access to the back side of the moveable sheave bushing to clean the shaft.
Tim Koscho
New member
'03 viper stock clutch help
Mtnviper. Thanks for your reply.
Am I correct in thinking that the spider and bushing areas should run in a dry condition? As in no lube.
Mtnviper. Thanks for your reply.
Am I correct in thinking that the spider and bushing areas should run in a dry condition? As in no lube.
Yes that is correct, no lube. The oily residue will actually collect belt dust, and cause premature wear/binding.