What happens if I beat on a new clutch?

[Scot_94GT]

I just installed a King Cobra clutch, but there is an autoX event I want to enter on the 1st of may. The instrucitons that came with the clutch just said that it will have harsh and/or choppy engagement for the fist few hundred miles. It didn't say anything about having to take it easy on it for the break in period. So what happens if I go to the autoX event with only 100 miles on my new clutch? Will it shatter? Does the clutch somehow get stronger after the break in or something...why have I heard people say to go easy on it at first?

 

[Henceforward]

Go easy for at least 500 miles. The flywheel and the clutch have to get to know each other.

Something like, they wear a new pattern into each other.

Plus you have to allow the clutch to go through several heat up and cool down sessions to allow it to strengthen.

Just go easy for 500 miles, check your FWA and make sure everything is good.

 

[DarkMesa8]

I had installed 3 king cobras before this last one (4th). The day after install, I got stuck in stop and go traffic because the interstate was blocked. 4 hours, no fun.

The clutch chatters pretty bad now when its at normal operating temp. Its tooth rattling annoying... I've got to replace it now because its driving me nuts and its only been a year!

None of the other King Cobras, with a proper break in, ever chattered for me.

 

[Scot_94GT]

So should the first 500 miles be maybe a mini road trip (freeway miles), or should I do lots of city driving? I would think that stop-n-go city driving would help wear in the surfaces better than if the surfaces are not moving against each other when on the freeway.

EDIT: just read DarkMesa's post...hmmm..that goes agaisnt my theory. SO how does driving without the clutch surfaces slipping much break it in then?

 

[DarkMesa8]

You're right, freeway miles won't do jack for it.

If it were me, I'd drive it normally, no more no less. Just try and keep the clutch slippage to a minimum, and don't race it. 500 miles is like what, two tanks of gas? Shouldn't take that long. You want to give it time to cool off inbetween trips, so I wouldn't go and spend 500 miles driving around the city one day.

 

[Henceforward]

I would think that stop-n-go city driving would help wear in the surfaces better than if the surfaces are not moving against each other when on the freeway.

Stop and Go City driving is what you need to do.

On the Hwy there is no friction.

500 City miles. Hwy does not count.

 

[rude_life]

WHat Up DarkMesa??? Hows it goin..Forum sucks now eh??

 

[Grn92LX]

I was driving my car hard the day after I had my king cobra clutch done. I don't do "break in's" No problems and it looked fine when I pulled it out. I put in a used TKO and a brand new KC clutch and it shifted like butter at 6000 rpm the day after I put it in

 

[5spd GT]

I've had 4 different clutches (and soon will need another one)...

You need to break-in the clutch...get it to stretch out thru use and heat cycles. Clutch companies wouldn't recommended breaking them in if it wasn't needed.

Just do a mix of driving. No need to alter your driving style (besides not going WOT on it)...but if your a traveler and see several hundred miles "at a shot"...then I would alter your driving. Just be easy on it for the first 4-500 miles and you should be good to go

Edit: It is potentially damaging to say or suggest not to break-in a clutch...it can hurt the "listeners" wallet...why not break it in right (even with a doubt) that way if something does go wrong later you know it isn't one of the possible variables.

 

[SorsCode]

my therory on breaking on it.. Old country road and few 5k clutch drops work great.. never had an issue.

 

[DMAN302]

drive it nice...but you can still tach her up, just dont launch. The launching is really the issue..general gear banging is OK but the less is more idea is best.