Mini Inferno 09 Clutch Problems (Nitro)
 

I really need some help. Can't solve this problem.
The clutch is really acting weird. Buggy idles for a few seconds then the shoes seem to expand and grab violently and go in and out. When this happens it sounds like a box of rocks.
Replaced clutch bell, bearings, bearings in the center diff. Still problem exists.
Buggy ran great for 6 months, then this problem happens. Shimmed the front of the shaft between the C-clip and the clutch bell to help with slop. Any and all answers will be greatly appreciated. Relatively new to R/C and don't have the overall knowledge to solve this.:cry:

When you replaced your clutch shoes, did you also replace the spring?
If you did replace the spring, did you hook the ends together and then slip the spring over the shoes or did you wrap the spring around the shoes and then hook the ends together? Sounds silly but it can make a difference with the 09 clutch.
"go in and out"? You mean the clutch engages intermittently?
Which part sounds like a box of rocks?
:confused:

Something that also came to mind, check the gap between your clutchbell and flywheel. Also, make sure the ends of your clutch spring are at the center of one of the shoes and not at the gap between them.

If you have replaced everything else except the clutch sprins then you need to replace them to.

Yes, I've replaced everything short of a new motor.

Next test will be to take off the front and rear drive shafts and run the motor to try and hear what the clutch is doing without load.

The clutch shoes are brand new and come with the spring already around them. All you do is separate them slightly and slip them over the pilot shaft.

Is there a better clutch shoe set-up for this Mini Inferno 09?

May be coming ever closer to a shelf queen or a donation to a fellow racer of these. Somebody has already put in his 1st dibbs for the donation, sorry.

Will try and post up with the final solution, good or bad.