chadzeilenga
New member
What's the story on the aftermarket Comet clutches for SS Yamahas? I have an original Yamaha clutch, is this prone to failure? Internally everything looks good except for a missing cotter key on one of the rollers. Was planning to replace unless I should just get a different clutch?
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I guess the older Yamaha clutches were high maintenance and parts were expensive, Comet was a good cheaper replacement with less expensive parts. I have the originals on all my older Yamaha's... just keep them working and you will be good.
chadzeilenga
New member
SS440 Clutch
Ah I see, so the Comet clutches are an improved design over what Yamaha offered for the SS440 in 83, better performance? What Comet clutch will work with an SS440?
Also, what Yamaha model clutches will interchange with my sled? I'm searching for replacement parts/clutch assy. Right now, I think I'm going to clean it all out at the parts washer at work and take stock on anything that needs to be replaced. Overall, I think it's in pretty good shape, but the missing cotter pin has me worried, there was some damage to the side spider where the washer/pin went. Also, my manual says that there should be no grease inside the clutch except for the sliders. What grease is recommended? I only have the Yamaha blue marine grease. Do I remove the slider and pack the area behind it with grease?
What about the weight pins? Are those pressed out to allow greasing of the clutch weights?
Also, how interchangeable are the clutch components? I have a junk clutch that I was going to rob parts off of, but I wasn't sure if the spider and sheaves were balanced as a set or not?
Ah I see, so the Comet clutches are an improved design over what Yamaha offered for the SS440 in 83, better performance? What Comet clutch will work with an SS440?
Also, what Yamaha model clutches will interchange with my sled? I'm searching for replacement parts/clutch assy. Right now, I think I'm going to clean it all out at the parts washer at work and take stock on anything that needs to be replaced. Overall, I think it's in pretty good shape, but the missing cotter pin has me worried, there was some damage to the side spider where the washer/pin went. Also, my manual says that there should be no grease inside the clutch except for the sliders. What grease is recommended? I only have the Yamaha blue marine grease. Do I remove the slider and pack the area behind it with grease?
What about the weight pins? Are those pressed out to allow greasing of the clutch weights?
Also, how interchangeable are the clutch components? I have a junk clutch that I was going to rob parts off of, but I wasn't sure if the spider and sheaves were balanced as a set or not?
I am not sure... I never did much clutch work on those older sleds... Ill try and get someone to look at this.
chadzeilenga
New member
Further inspection revealed that my spider is pretty worn on the original Yamaha primary. I disassembled completely and cleaned out and reassembled dry. I'll try to make it through the season as is and then shop around for a good 102C to put on over the summer. I got it all back together tonight and it looks pretty smooth.
One question i had is that I lined up all of the "X" markings on the outer sheave parts, which I believe are for balancing, but I didn't see anything on the inner sheave. I'd think these would be balanced as an assy?
One question i had is that I lined up all of the "X" markings on the outer sheave parts, which I believe are for balancing, but I didn't see anything on the inner sheave. I'd think these would be balanced as an assy?
You are correct on the X... and I would think you are correct on the inner as well.
If you are planning on using the original clutch, forget about it!! The original clutch does NOT have any bushings in the weights and the pins wear a LOT. You can use a Comet 102 but I would try to find a Yamaha YPZ . The YPZ was used on all of the Phazers and SRV's until about 1991 0r 92. Below is a list of parts for the 1985 SS440 clutch parts. Here are the numbers that you will need to make the changes:
8V8-W176A-00-00 Clutch weights, Spring is showing not available so I would just use a stock Phazer, blue, spring.. You could also try calling Bruce at Pioneer Performance and check with him fo a spring. The Yamaha YPZ is a very good clutch especially for the older low HP motors. With proper maintenance it will give you years of great service.
https://www.yamahapartsandaccessori...#/Yamaha/SS440_-_SS440J_-_1985/PRIMARY_SHEAVE
No Problem, glad to help.
chadzeilenga
New member
Hi Tom, thank you for this information, very helpful! My Yamaha clutch currently works ok and has 3500mi on it so I'll keep it for this season and look for a replacement soon. It is showing its age.
Since I had this clutch completely apart, do I need to be worried about the inner sheave balance? Is there a way to match it to the outer sheave?
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Since I had this clutch completely apart, do I need to be worried about the inner sheave balance? Is there a way to match it to the outer sheave?
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Throttle Junkie35
New member
Any real noticable wear or damage to the clutch will throw your clutch out of balance, wreak havoc on your crank bearings etc.. Not much snow this year so it may not be an issue, but I would find a replacement sooner than later and I agree with all the other posters.
chadzeilenga
New member
Now you got me a little worried. I had the sled running on a warmup stand and engine seemed to be shaking more than normal or I'm over analyzing. I think I'll pull the clutch apart and check to see if there are any alignment marks on the inner sheave half before I go out riding.
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