Check and replace the clutch of the IAME X30 engine

Max Bernardi

02 April 2018

The single-speed kart’s engine with electric starter have different components which are subject to wear and tear. With time, the usage can affect its reliability or, in some cases, the regulatory compliance. The clutch is one of these cases. The "doctor TKART" explains how to check it and refurbish it, operating, in this case, on a IAME engine X30

time 55 min

difficulty Normal

Single-gear engines with electric starter (the so-called TAG) have an automatic dry centrifugal clutch. Its operation is quite simple: under the action of a centrifugal force, the three shoes that compose it, expand against the clutch bell, which is integral to the sprocket but released from the crankshaft, as it rotates in roller cage.

Already from this fast description, we understand that the clutch, by nature, is an element destined to be consumed. The first signs of deterioration can be felt at the start: it is here that the clutch can slip, with the friction material of the shoes which does not correctly grip to the clutch bell.

If it happens, check the wearing status of the clutch, removing the engine from the chassis and proceeding as shown in this article. Doctor TKART utilized a IAME X30 powertrain, but the procedure is about the same for all single-gear engines with an electrical starter.

NECESSARY TOOLS

■ CALIPER
■ COPPER GREASE
■ CLUTCH CROWN STOPPER
■ 30/27 TORQUE SOCKET WRENCH
■ ADJUSTABLE WRENCH
■ 10, 17 E 19 mm WRENCHES
■ 27 mm PULLER
■ 30 mm PULLER FOR ENGINES ANTECEDENT 2013
■ 5 mm ALLEN KEY

STEP

5 MIN

After having removed the engine from the chassis, first disassemble the plastic crankcase which covers the clutch with a 5MM Allen key, also remove the plastic Bendix support. This operation is necessary to mount the starter wheel locking device, which task is to not have the crankshaft turn and allow the disassembly the clutch. The locking device is an accessory supplied by IAME and can be purchased by any X30 dealer.

1. Remove the plastic crankshaft covering the clutch

2. Remove the plastic Bendix support

3. Mount the locking device

STEP

10 MIN

With the crankshaft locked, we continue with unscrewing the 17 mm nut which keeps the sprocket locked, then we remove the clutch bell housing finding in sequence, an internal thick washer (placed between the nut and the bell), a roller cage and another external washer. It is important to mark the order of the elementsso as not to make mistakes during the reassembling phase. The roller cage works when the kart is not moving, but when it is at a complete stop with the engine on. Even if it is not a stressed element, it should be cleaned and lubricated with copper grease at the time of reassembly.

4. Unscrew the 17 mm nut which closes the clutch bell

5. Remove the clutch bell

6. Roller cage and washers have different thicknesses: the thicker one must be placed between the nut and the bell