Repair 7

How to Clean a Polaris Snowmobile Clutch

Polaris snowmobiles use a continuously variable drive and driven clutch system with a belt. The drive clutch squeezes the drive belt, causing the snowmobile to move. This squeezing cause the drive belts to wear, which allows dirt and debris to float around the engine compartment. This debris can end up inside of your clutch, creating a buildup that results in the clutch not working as efficiently. The result is a loss of horsepower. Rubber and grime can build up on the clutch contact surfaces as well, causing slippage. They need to be cleaned regularly.

Instructions

1

Remove the clutch safety guard by pulling the pins at both ends and pulling the guard straight off. Remove the drive belt by rolling it over the outer face of the secondary clutch until the faces spread and allows the belt to come off. Remove the center, large clutch bolt from the clutch. Screw the clutch puller, which looks like a big bolt, into the center hole of the clutch by threading it in and turning it clockwise. Hold the clutch using the strap wrench to keep it from turning and gradually tighten the clutch puller until the clutch pops off.

2

Use shop solvent to clean any residue inside of the clutch by spraying and wiping. Be careful not to get solvent on the non-metallic parts inside of the clutch. Wipe the inside areas of the clutch dry.

3

Inspect the clutch faces, which are the parts that contact the drive belt. Look for any rubber that has accumulated on these surfaces. Using a soap free souring pad, or steel wool, polish and remove the accumulated rubber. If the rubber does not respond to the pad or steel wool, you can use 180-grit sandpaper. Use care not to over sand, resulting in uneven surfaces. Polish the sanded area when finished with the scouring pad or steel wool to remove scratches.

4

Wash the clutch faces with hot, soapy water. Dish detergent is fine for this. Make sure the water is as hot as possible but not so hot that it burns your hands. Hot water washing will help remove contaminants embedded deep within the aluminum surfaces. Dry thoroughly when finished.

5

Clean the drive belt using hot, soapy water and scrub using a nylon brush with medium to soft bristles. Dry the belt with a towel and allow it to dry completely before you install it.

6

Place the clutch on the engine crankshaft, pushing it on slightly. Install the center clutch bolt and tighten. Install the drive belt and replace all safety guards.