Questions on clutches?

[BruceSM]

How long do heli clutches last?
How can you tell when they need replacing?
How easy is it to replace the lining?
Does the clutch shoe need replacing at the same time?
I have a Hirobo Shuttle Plus, but the same questions may have different answers for 45 or 60 models.
Any answers from anyone?

[Seaking]

How long do heli clutches last?

It depends on how hard you have been flying the heli

How can you tell when they need replacing?

The head speed will start to be very inconsistant Engine will start to rev but headspeed will not increase

How easy is it to replace the lining?

Very easy,, Scrape out the old lining and using something like JB Weld or Epoxy cut, Glue and fit the new liner into the bell, Cover the clutch in two layers of Insulation tape and fit that into the bell as well untill the Glue has gone off ,Remove Insulation tape and refitt as per instructions

Does the clutch shoe need replacing at the same time?

I usually change the clutch at the same time but if yours is still in good condition I suppose you could re-use it

Roger

[BruceSM]

Many thanks, Roger

I just replaced the clutch lining and when doing so the show seemed to stretch out some. We put the shoe in a vice and tried to set it back to it the original shape. However, it does not seem to catch the lining anymore once I get the engine started. Any suggestions or do I need to get a new clutch shoe??

[Daz(DJLFlapper)]

Brad11

I too have reset old clutch shoes that didn't need replaceing after a liner re fit. The trick here is to only reset the shoes as far as they need to go. You may find that they will crack if bent back too far. What you need to do now is set your shoes so they only clear the liner by about 1/2-1mm all round.
Idealy you should replace them and enjoy knowing that you aint going to have a clutch give out on you.

If you have main rotor head loaders, You could try running the engine speed up to allow the shoes the chance to reset themselves on the new liner. Doing this it may take a few start ups to get them to run nice on the liner.

Thanks for the information. I'll give it a try and see how it works.