Okay folks, I need some help. While I know the general stuff about clutches and what may make one better than the next, I really don't know specifics on their construction.

Case in point, I have a Clutchmaster III in my possession now that was going to go on my Z this week.

However, upon removing the clutch disc from the packaging we discovered the damage shown in the picture below (provided this site will let me attach a pic). Basically, when looked at from the side, it appears the pressed paper-looking material has separated from the metal part of the plate. The damage is between 1/2"-3/4" long. My initial inclination is to return it and get another clutch, fearing this could only get worse once the clutch is under stress.

Does anyone know for sure? What will this ultimately do, if anything?

Thanks for the help

 

Too important to even try it......REPLACE IT!

 

send it back man that is a sure fire way to rip the rest of the friction surface off