Hints and Tips on Comet Clutches

There are many variations to consider. However, one thing is certain, the engine clutch on a Go-Kart or Mini-Bike is one of the toughest applications ever required of a modestly priced centrifugal clutch, and, if the bike is Direct Drive, the engine clutch must absorb a considerably larger shock load than others (jackshaft arrangements.) This is especially true where the bike rider is "popping wheelies", patching out, and what about the beginning rider who holds the brake on and rides very slow, allowing the clutch to engage & disengage repeatedly. This is extremely rough on the clutch. The situation can be compounded if the sprocket ratio is not compatible. Care should always be exercised when selecting a go-kart or mini-bike clutch. The proper sprocket ratios are just as important as the correct operation of the clutch. Engagement should always be achieved by a smooth advancement of the throttle, and never an erratic movement.

When Installing Your New "Self-Contained" Centrifugal Clutch:

• Do the number of teeth in your new clutch give you the right drive ratio for your machine's horsepower and weight?
• Always make sure the set screws in clutch rotor hub are tightened securely before starting engine.
• We recommend the mounting of all clutches with bolt and lock washer to end of crankshaft. However, if preferred, a clutch retaining collar may be used. Always check for loosened mounting bolts, set screws, etc.
  Note: The 1" bore models and Twin Sprocket models must be retained on engine crankshaft with lock washer, flat washer and bolt. Many crankshafts are already drilled and tapped.
• Parallel, true alignment of clutch sprocket with secondary drive sprocket is all-important to prevent excessive wear and jumping of chain. Please install clutch accordingly.
• Caution! Never start engine without adequate clutch and chain guard in place.

Servicing / Prolonging the Life of Your "Self-Contained" Clutch:

• Don't operate your clutch with a banjo string-tight chain. Allow slight slack, equivalent to perhaps half of a link.
• Occasionally add a few drops of light oil to both chain and sprockets and bronze bushing / needle bearing. Never oil the clutch shoes or excessive slippage and wear will result.
• Regularly check for loosened mounting bolt and re-tighten. This is extremely important!
• When worn, always replace the entire S400 rotor cartridge. It is a precise assembly of clutch shoes, spring, nyloc set screws and rotor cage which are not sold as individual parts to avoid mismatched and unbalanced clutch operation.
• Never re-use a bent or distorted snap ring.

Hints and Tips on Comet Torque Converters

Did You Know. . . ?

Ratio in your drive train is a vital concept to you as it greatly affects your machine's load-carrying ability and its speed. Too high a ratio causes minimal "pulling power" (it's like starting a truck in 3rd gear) and excessive speed potential, while too low a ratio causes just the opposite effect! When Using an automatic centrifugal clutch in any but a racing application, as a rule it is wisest to use the clutch with fewest teeth or smallest pulley diameter. This gives most machines a good "power versus speed" compromise. Likewise, clutches tend toward even greater efficiency and more "pulling power" when the machine's final drive sprocket or pulley is also altered to a larger diameter.

Since these devices consist of a "belt" and two "variable pitch pulleys" all working together harmoniously, serving as both clutch and transmission, we often call them "variable speed drive systems". Weather-proof, completely mechanical and occupying minimum space, they can operate mounted in any position and are adaptable to a wide variety of applications, both stationary and vehicular. Each Comet system is fully automatic and can be used anywhere that control by engine throttle alone is desirable.

There are no gears, no complicated controls or levers and neither manual shifting nor clutching is involved in these systems. Utter simplicity makes both cost of this equipment and its installation modest and also reduces future maintenance to a negligible minimum without compromise of performance of versatility, unique design of the "movable face" in each "driver" and "driven" member causes automatic, infinite variation and thus smooth shifting action between the system's low and high range in immediate response to changing load and / or travel conditions, with constant optimum ratio between engine and drive wheel thus assured, you get the use of all the power your engine develops. Since ratio selection and "down-shifting" is automatic, braking and vehicle control are enhanced. Even engine and drive train component life (sprocket, chain, bearings, etc.) is extended since shifting is smooth and not subject to the hazards of manual control.

The years of Comet engineering experience, fine materials, special processes and control procedures for quality that are used in the manufacture of Comet torque converter systems are without peer. But see for yourself, compare Comet equipment's simplicity, price, ruggedness of construction, smoothness and quietness of operation with any competitive brand and you'll go with Comet.