12hp motor - TC or Centrifugal?

stone · Faceplant Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 19

I scored a 13hp motor with a keyed 1" drive shaft. I noticed that most torque converts are meant to give smaller motors (6.5-9hp) more take-off power (correct me if I'm wrong). Anyway, is it necessary to use a torque converter for such a large motor, or will a centrifugal clutch work fine? Cost isn't a HUGE issue, I just don't want to end up overpowering the spool by using a torque converter. And I'd preferably like something that will last since I've heard that the centrifugal clutches burn out after a bit.

robsmaze · Posted: Aug 01, 2010 8:33 am Post subject:

go with a TAV. they offer a lot smoother start. a cc engages at 1600 rpm, but a tav will engage down around 600 rpm.

stone · Faceplant Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 19

Thanks!

apple103 · Posted: Aug 02, 2010 3:33 am Post subject:

those new GTC tav's are rated up to 13 hp....so no more problems there.
lately some guys are using the oilbath CC's...they don't burn out so fast!
http://www.halvewerk.nl/Webwinkel-Product-1427462/Natte-centrifugaalkoppeling-met-1:2-reductie%2825mm%29.html (sorry dutch website)

stone · Faceplant Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 19

Yea, I ended up going with the GTC TC2:
http://www.bulletlines.com/GTC-TC2-1-Bore-Torque-Converter-p/54.htm

Do torque converters burn out eventually as well? That sucks. How many hours roughly before I'm looking at replacing it?

apple103 · Posted: Aug 05, 2010 4:12 am Post subject:

No ..... there will be some wear and tear on the belt though.....but I never changed my belt yet!!

stone · Faceplant Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 19

Awesome, thanks for the info.

stone · Faceplant Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 19

Got the engine put together with the TAV and it runs good. Still in the process of building the frame.

Quick question, should a torque converter go to full neutral when in low/idle rpm range? This one seems to keep spinning and it looks like the two belt wheels aren't perfectly aligned so there is some rubbing on the sides of the belt that keeps it going. Of course this is without any resistance. I figure I can get a narrower engine drive shaft spacer to get the alignment right but don't want to waste the time (I drove around to 2 machine shops without luck) unless it's a necessity.

apple103 · Posted: Sep 20, 2010 4:34 am Post subject:

no it is normal for the spools to be like that when it is in low gear(3/8" offset on the centerline)....the belt will disengage when the idle speed is low enough and when there is some resistance!

overstreet31 · Posted: Sep 20, 2010 3:20 pm Post subject:

mine keeps turning at idle and I like it that way. keeps the slack out of the rope for the most part so you avoid the jerk when the operator hits the gas. At idle, a small amount of resistance(holding the handle) keeps the spool from spinning.

stone · Faceplant Joined: 18 May 2010 Posts: 19

Good to know. So I'll keep the spacer so it's offset. I was fully over-thinking that I suppose. Good thing I asked because I was a day away from having some machine shop cut that spacer in half.