STAMPED ANGLE SPRING CLUTCH RECOMMENDED OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR LONG CLUTCH LIFE Spicer clutches will last many thousands of miles if properly installed, used and maintained They are designed and built to withstand rugged use But re- gardless of their strength and quality, their life will be shortened if they are abused.  EXCESS FRICTION HEAT, A CLUTCH’S WORST ENEMY.  Almost every   early   fairlure   of   a clutch can be traced to excess friction heat - all of which can be prevented by proper operation and maintenance.  Here’s how: Do not "ride or slip" the clutch.  Once a clutch is fully engaged, there is no heat generated and little or no wear However, during the bref period when the clutch is picking up the load, considerable heat is generated By riding or slipping the clutch, the period of partial engagement is lengthened - causing unncessary heat and wear. Always start in the proper gear.  Obviously, an empty vehicle can be started In a higher gear than a fully loaded one But starting In a gear too high for the load can cause clutch slippage, too much heat and unnecessary wear.  Drivers should be trained to use a gear low enough to prevent excess wear on the clutch. A gear that will start the vehicle moving with the engine at idle speed Is usually correct If the engine must be revved up to prevent stalling, the gear selection is too high Do not shift until vehicle has reached proper speed. Upshifting before the vehicle has reached the right speed is almost as bad as starting off in too high a gear. When the difference between the vehicle speed and the engine speed is too great, the clutch is forced to slip. The result is extra heat and wear. Match the clutch to the vehicle and the Job. Improper specification may result in a clutch too light duty for the job it must perform, resulting In early burn- out.  It may be a perfectly good clutch when used in the application for which it was designed, but totally Inadequate for heavy duty use Mismatching the clutch to the vehicle is not only bad for the  clutch,  it  can  cause  early  wear  on  the  whole  drive train. Never hold a vehicle on a hill with the clutch.  To hold on a hill with the clutch requires that the clutch be purposely slipped.  By doing this enough heat can be generated to burn up the clutch. Never coast with the clutch disengaged.  This can cause clutch failure by the very high RPM encountered when coasting in gear with the clutch released.  In this situation, the rear wheels are driving the disc through the multiplication of the rear axle and transmission ratios.  This can result in over 10,000 RPM, beyond the burst strength of the facing material. Something as simple as coasting down an unloading ramp can burst a driven disc. Never engage the clutch while coasting.  This should not even have to be said, since responsible drivers should never coast with clutch disengaged.  Re- engaging a clutch after coasting causes tremendous shock to the clutch and the whole drive train.  It can result in internal engine damage and/ or clutch and flywheel failure.  Always report un- usual clutch operation promptly. Proper maintenance, performed on time, will  greatly  extend  the  life  of  the  clutch. The  driver  should  report  any  change  in free  pedal  (free  travel),  slippage  or  any strange "feel" to the clutch operation. CTS-4195  Page 5