why do some dislike clutches?

[mk351e]

I'm thinking of putting a tekno clutch on my muggy (when it finally gets here), but I notice that lots of guys don't seem to like the clutch setup. Why? I'm coming straight from nitro, so if it's because of the delay, then I guess it wouldn't really matter to me, as I'm VERY used to it! However, I might be thrown off by the lack of (lots) of engine noise.

Soo, is it just the slight delay in takeoff, or something else? Not including the initial cost or replacement parts.

[jhautz]

I ran a clutch in an XB8 conversion for a while. I also had an identical setup in another XB8 without the clutch so I could compare the 2. I thought I might like it to smooth out some of the hard hitting power of the brushless and make it easier to drive. I actually found that comparing the 2 I prefered to have the clutchless power. Learning to drive the brushless with more throttle control allowed me to drive the clutchless version just a smooth at the clutched version, but it also gave me the extra snap/power to clear a jump that I may not have had the run up needed due to a driving error. Besides that, the programing features of the ESCs today really alows you to tune the power to work for you so the advantage is really lost IMO.

On top of all that, it adds weight and complication to the system that just isnt needed.

All in all I decided that I just prefered the linear throttle over the clutched version. If you drive like alot of the nitro drivers with the on/off throttle style they tend to use you might like the clutch, but if you are used to driving like an electric driver then I think the clutchless is better.

Anyway, thats my take on it.

[BrianG]

Also, the clutch setup lets you use the clutchbell options for that particular model. Even though I haven't used the clutch personally, I too think it just adds complexity...

[aqwut]

More parts to worry about and replace... the clutch bell gets hot too right?...

[lincpimp]

Depending on usage the clutch can get hot, especially if you are trying to drive slowly, or have a tight bashing area that does not aloow you to get up past half throttle or so.

I have one in a revo, and another in a yusa rally. The revo is fine with the clutch, but it is somewhat strange to drive. I used the clutch in the yusa due to necessity, it was before mike had the 2 speed adapter, and the size of the clutch allowed me to place the motor far enough back to clear the mech disk brake. I use a 3 shoe integy al setup in the yusa and the stock traxxas shoes in the revo. The clutch only gets really hot during break in if you use brand new shoes. After a few mins it cools down.

I am not sure how well it would work in the heavy muggy. Stock muggy users have issues with the clutches not holding up from what I have seen/heard...

[BrianG]

Also, how does it affect motor bearing wear? Since the mesh contact area is further out on the shaft, doesn't this place more load on the front bearing if mesh is too tight and/or you get chassis flex?

[DRIFT_BUGGY]

Nice thread, most guys that I told that I was converting to brushless said I must use the clutch setup for best performance however none of these have a brushless setup and all run nitro. I see it as just more things to go wrong and really having a clutch on the car would nearly make the clutch the number 1 item to require maintaince

[BrianG]

I think the Tekno setup has its strong points depending on the person.

For a nitro user who doesn't know "the BL ropes" yet and wants to try electric, this is a good path to go since it lets them use many of the parts they already have (the conversion is more painless) and also suits their nitro driving style. The clutch is probably a little easier on the drivetrain too since it does provide some "give".

For those who know exactly what they want and don't mind fabbing up parts (ex: new servo mounts, etc), the direct drive system may be better.

[jhautz]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I think the Tekno setup has its strong points depending on the person.

For a nitro user who doesn't know "the BL ropes" yet and wants to try electric, this is a good path to go since it lets them use many of the parts they already have (the conversion is more painless) and also suits their nitro driving style. The clutch is probably a little easier on the drivetrain too since it does provide some "give".

For those who know exactly what they want and don't mind fabbing up parts (ex: new servo mounts, etc), the direct drive system may be better.

I agree with the the easier transion theory. Its kinda like a "gateway drug" Its what you run untill you want to get serious.

What do mean by "dont mind fabbing up parts" Brian. I think there are more parts available for the standard non-clutch setup than a clutch style setup.

Originally Posted by aqwut

the clutch bell gets hot too right?...

The clutch was always the hottest part of the whole buggy in my setup. Another reason I didnt like it. The whole point of a good setup is to keep the heat away... Not generate extra.

[lincpimp]

Out of a slipper or a clutch, I would much prefer a slipper. Some sort of shock protection is a good idea, IMO. When Mike brings out the slipperential, that will be great for a buggy, or truggy. I prefer the feel of a direct pinion better than the clutch. Plus it is less stuff to go wrong, and it does place less stress on the motor bearngs, and the motor mount. My yusa uses a L braket motor mount, and needs some braces, as the addl weight of the clutch and the length will flex the mount quite a bit.

[jfruge]

Originally Posted by mk351e

I'm thinking of putting a tekno clutch on my muggy (when it finally gets here), but I notice that lots of guys don't seem to like the clutch setup. Why? I'm coming straight from nitro, so if it's because of the delay, then I guess it wouldn't really matter to me, as I'm VERY used to it! However, I might be thrown off by the lack of (lots) of engine noise.

Soo, is it just the slight delay in takeoff, or something else? Not including the initial cost or replacement parts.

I may be wrong but I think the reason most brushless setups do away with the clutch is so they can do away with the mechanical brake (extra servo) and just using ESC / motor braking?

ive been testing loads of motors recently in a ofna gtp for the purpose of oval racing. we currently run all nitro cars in the series but i have done a brushless conversion and i am now running in the series against the nitro.
i started with a 7xl then down to 8xl and now settled on the 9xl which matches the speed of the nitro,s to keep it on a level.
on all the testing its been dirrect pinion to spur with lots of wear to the pinion. i have just recently installed the elektri clutch and the results are great. wear problem gone but the best thing is i have gained a third extra run time from my cells.

[riceman]

Originally Posted by Eastrax RC

ive been testing loads of motors recently in a ofna gtp for the purpose of oval racing. we currently run all nitro cars in the series but i have done a brushless conversion and i am now running in the series against the nitro.
i started with a 7xl then down to 8xl and now settled on the 9xl which matches the speed of the nitro,s to keep it on a level.
on all the testing its been dirrect pinion to spur with lots of wear to the pinion. i have just recently installed the elektri clutch and the results are great. wear problem gone but the best thing is i have gained a third extra run time from my cells.

Very interesting. What are the actual run times? Oh - and welcome to the forums.

[Serum]

The reason why i don't like them (in theory and in practice)

-The clutch looses efficiency of the total setup (heats up)
-the bearings on the motor take a harder beating (because the pinion gear is further away from the bearing)
-more maintenance
-added mass (3 oz+)
-adds rotational mass (clutch and diskbrakes)
-not easy to tweak starting power/take-off (because of the mechanical clutch)
-harder to tune brakes (because of the mechanical brakes)


For the last two things wrenching is needed, while either a motorbrake or startup power can be programmed on the esc if no clutch/mechanical brake is used.


The good thing about the clutch setup; if you are a die-hard nitro fan, you know what to do if you want to brake harder or accelerate harder. For those a clutch setup might actually work. But i think the mainstream can get around this and simple get used to the ease of not using tools to do their adjustments.

Brushless is the new technology. it's like a stove with a piezo, and still using ancient rocks to light a fire. (or still running windows '95 because that's the last stable OS you are used to..)

[its me]

Little off topic but has any one had/tried clutches on a outrunner Direct to diff set up? Thinking out loud but wouldn't that take some torque and cogging out of the direct to diff set up, then you guys wouldn't have to use HV tp get past the cogg?