Originally Posted by
Roelof
When I look at the R4 manual I must say it is not clear at all. With the drawings no dimensions are given but it is written in the sidebar. Also a gap of 0.4mm is given but that is too low, more like 0.6 is needed to get a decent clutch. Also shimming under the clutchbell is a bit unclear, If I did understand it right you must shim until there is no play but you need play or otherwise due expansion of the clutchbell it will bind itself.
(Just catching up on all the replies to my posts; awesome information, and really fun to learn new stuff. Yah, Internet!)
The R4 manual to me is better than some others. But the pages on the clutch install could be more clear, proper dimensions on the cross sections, etc., rather than in the translated from Japanese side bar notes.
What helped me somewhat, and no joke here, was to open the PDF of the manual, and zoom in real close, and stare at it for a while with the parts on my desk. The sequence of installation, adjustments, and re-shimming, etc., could be better described along with proper dimensions and clear up some confusion. But sometimes the trial and error method and learning curve I'm climbing is a really good way to fully learn both the how and the why behind this. These things are too complicated to just blindly snap things together like a Lego set, and miss all the really important know-how of how the car really works.
Along those lines, I never bought my sons a RTR car--always a kit they have to assemble themselves. This way, they understand how it works, and WHEN something breaks or doesn't work, they know how to fix it--like a good mechanic.
I just got caught in the weeds with all the fancy modern workings of this clutch and 2-speed transmission.
Thanks all for the info!