Raptor 90se and OS

[flyn-n-va]

Hi, I'm trying to find out if the washer goes on the engine shaft between the bearing and the fan when using a OS .91sz-h. I installed it because the directions called for it. It's a new heli and engine and it seemed to take more throttle to get the head speed up and the clutch went out in 5 flights. If the washer is suppose to be there, does anyone have an idea of why it ate a clutch so fast?
Thanks, Tim

[Laurens]

Why do you think its due to the washer that your clutch went out?

[flyn-n-va]

Why answer a question with a question?!.. Did I say I thought that? No, I asked if it needs to be there. I have 2 50 Titans and they say don't use the washer, the 90 said to, Just trying to find out and see if anyone knew why my clutch might go out so quick.

[ferincr]

I have a90SE too and I put the washer in,I read it somewhere (it might have been in raptortechique). Anyway I did noticed too that the clutch engages at much higher RPM's than my 60.
I'll try to find where did I read about the washer again.

[Laurens]

What broke? Clutch bell or shoe? Or both?

All important knowledge we need to answer your question :mrgreen:

[flyn-n-va]

Fernando, Thanks, I couldn't find it anywhere in raptortechnique but the directions that came with it and the downloadable file on the Ace site say use it. I think that's fine, it didn't seem to push the shoe to far into the bell like it will on the 50's. Yes, it really took alot of RPM's to get it to engage. I knew it didn't seem right but hey it was flying. In the middle of the 5th flight It felt funny, the collective got real mushy feeling. I landed and everything under the canopy was covered in clutch dust.

Laurens, The clutch went out, nothing broke. It just smoked the liner out the bell. I just pulled it all down and there is not a piece of liner left in the bell.
Thanks, Tim

[Kinger]

When you put a new liner in the clutch, back it with a piece of paper from the manual or some copy paper. That will take up some of the gap between the liner and the clutch and allow for earlier clutch engagement.

[Laurens]

It sounds like the gap between your clutch bell and shoe was too big. The shoes had to open up too far causing metal fatigue.

Use Kingers method for glueing in the new liner.

[bgjames111]

common problem with the raptor 90se kits. both of mine were like that. Replace the liner and clutch puck, and all will be good.

[ferincr]

I looked at several forums (including this one) and I couldn't find it either, but I clearly remember reading it since I didn't put the washer in my R60 either but I did on the 90.
what I think is you should look into your clutch bell and see where the marks from the shoe are, as long as you don't have any marks on the top part of the bell you are ok. The washer would move the shoe further up or not but it wont make any difference on the engaging/disengaging. (at least that's the way I see it :dontknow ).

[flyn-n-va]

Thanks everyone, All the parts seem fine (except the worn out line). Laurens, I think your right, there is no binding and everything turned easy by hand. I think the clutch shoe just had to much gap and had trouble engaging. Should I replace anything else or just the liner. The bell and shoe appear to be fine.
bgjames, you say replace the clutch puck, is that what I'm calling the shoe? The part that engages on the liner inside the bell?
Thanks, Tim

[Laurens]

I think the liner should be replaced. There's a good method explained on www.raptortechnique.com.

[Kinger]

If you are replacing the liner, I would replace the clutch as well. Once the clutch has expanded as far as you explained, it will only be a matter of time before it cracks and breaks.

[bgjames111]

yes, replace both. I call it the clutch puck, but actually it's just "the clutch". There is also the clutch bell, and the clutch liner.

[flyn-n-va]

Thanks, it's all on order. Along with a bunch of Raptor 50 parts. God, it's a bad week! The 50 had a major dirt bath!

[Rocket Man]

Flyn-n-va,

I had a similar problem with my 90SE. The details are around here or over on RR somewhere.

The problem was the stock clutch and bell clearance. It was simply too great. I went through several iterations of clutch liners and finally got it right.

My stock clearance was .015 and I finally shimmed a new liner up to .007 and it works great. I used brass shim stock between the bell housing and the liner, but have been told that even card stock will work. Put a single layer of electrical tape around the clutch and shim up the liner so the clutch can just slide in and out.

Take care,

Ron

[flyn-n-va]

Thanks everyone, I got the new liner in and new clutch with one wrap of elec. tape. clearance is much tighter than the original and it spools up much earlier.
thanks again, Tim