(this did not happen to me)

how would a clutch 'melt' to a flywheel. I had someone tell me yesterday that they had a clutch that seized on the flywheel very shortly after install. they took it for a test drive and then it started having driveability problems and when they took it apart it they could not separate them.

I haven't heard of this before.

Thanks, just curious.

 

did they drink when they installed? J/k

i heard that samething happend to this RSX owner before, ( first time owned MT )

 

what I understand is that is usually caused by overworking the clutch before it is bedded in on the 'test' drive.

that is my only idea.

 

bump, still interested in hearing any ideas.

 

Depends on the clutch material, If you get a mettalic type clutch material way to hot it can melt and seize to the flywheel. HP freaks has this problem with there bronze 6 puck disk I believe. Organic materials will not seize.

 

if u beat the crap out of it right after install...well we all know clutches need break in periods because the outside coating needs to wear off like breaks...beatin it right off the bat will have this happen....ive seen clutches "welded" to flywheels on some muscle cars that my dads buddies own and they beat it right after install...dummies....

 

Yes, Proper break in is a must, If the clutch is not allowed to break in completely the material has not had time time to "even out" and the clutch will not be able to handle the TQ it would be capable of after break in.

On a new clutch there are high and low spots in the clutch material. During the break in period the high spots ware down and allow the entire surface to make contact to its mating parts (flywheel and pressure plate)

If you beat on a new clutch and its not broken in there is a higher chance of slipping which builds heat very quickly.

Heat is the #1 enemy of any clutch.

 

that is what I thought.

thanks alot guys

 

ALOT of slipping

 

I have seen this several times ---Its just intense heat that goes above and beyond the max. It will happen when driving/pulling hard and the clutch is maxed out

 

yeah, the guy who did it is IMO a terrible mechanic. if you can call him that.

 

Iv installed clutches beyond count, from D9 Cats to Mercedes to Harleys to a couple dozen Zs---I catch a rant every so often of disc clearance. Years past I used to take my clutches to my clutch shop and have them bench test them for proper throw. I got to the point is wasnt neccessary due to better specing. There seems to be some clutchs out there that are just TOO tight and fail due to break in heat

 

This is the way it should be ---Go to the clutch shop with your Flywheel thats Fresh and the disc and the Pressure Plate. They bolt it all together and put it in a press that simulates cluth throw. If it isnt square or is not enough release, they dial it in -----Follow ?