Corvette Forum Thread on exploding clutch

has anyone seen this ... don't get lost in the story about Chuck's issues with Cartek's repair of his car but rather the fact that the clutch exploded in the first place!!!

From what I understand this is a C 1909 Sachs pressure plate that they are using for this clutch. Does anyone know if the Sachs pressure ring in the clutch is made of? Is it gray steel or ductile iron ring?

If it is made of plain old gray steel then it is not explosion resistent by any means!! Ductile iron is at least rated higher in terms of strength - I think this is what the factory LS1 flywheel and clutch are made out of. Anyone know?

Bottom line, this could be an extremely dangerous situation for anyone turning any serious RPM. Given the fact that the bellhousing is made of butter, makes it aneven more dangerous situation. I would have to rely on smarter people than me to make this judgment.

<small>[ October 11, 2002, 04:52 PM: Message edited by: java ]</small>

 

Steve go pound sand..
The guy 3/2'd the trans under WOT....

JS

 

<img src="http://www.fryrice.com/images/wackit.gif" alt=" - " /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

<small>[ October 11, 2002, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: Jsears8 ]</small>

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by JS:
<strong>Steve go pound sand..
The guy 3/2'd the trans under WOT....

JS</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">hmpf! if that is the case then ... wait a minute, it doesn't matter ... the clutch still exploded! I have 3-2's under WOT and only bent pushrods. Asking me to pound sand shows a bias, but believe me I meant no insult against Cartek, they don't even make the pressure plate, not their fault ... hell they may not even know about this potential issue. I don't even know if the PP is gray iron or ductile iron, does anyone know?

But an exploding clutch is a concern to me. I have an e-mail to RAM asking them if this is something I should be concerned about with their clutch / flywheel. I'll post their answer when I get one.

 

I've never checked one of their units, but if it is in fact the 1909 then it is not a ductile iron ring.

Seems to me if he over-reved it would hurt the motor or hit the limiter. Why the clutch let go is the real question.

WE NEED A BELLHOUSING!!!

<small>[ October 11, 2002, 07:17 PM: Message edited by: Stick only ]</small>

 

2 words:

Tranny Blanket
Best option until a safe bellhousing is available.

<small>[ October 11, 2002, 08:25 PM: Message edited by: Ragtop 99 ]</small>

 

Agreed. Who wants to send me a bellhousing?

 

Okay Steve,Fair enough...

JS

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Stick only:
<strong>Agreed. Who wants to send me a bellhousing?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">got one coming yet?

 

I have seen exploded clutches many times over the years.
It is not unusual at all.It can be very dangerous. That's why you need a scatter shield.
Steve

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by java:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Stick only:
<strong>Agreed. Who wants to send me a bellhousing?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">got one coming yet?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />