Best Centrifugal Clutch For Predator 212 – Our Recommendations
If you are a go-kart enthusiast, you must have been familiar with the centrifugal clutch. It is a mechanical tool used on driven rotating machinery, which is often employed for Predator engines. Still, what is the best centrifugal clutch for Predator 212? Continue reading this post to find out the answer!
- 212 Predator Go Kart Engine Performance: All You Need
- Predator 212 Hemi Vs Non-Hemi: All-in-one Comparison
- Why The 212 Predator Is The Ultimate Go-Kart Engine
- How To Break In A Predator 212
Best Centrifugal Clutch For Predator 212 Review
Before going deep into details this is a comparison table of both of them:
| Auto Express | FDJ Predator 212 | |
| Bore Diameter (inches) | 3/4 | 3/4 |
| Crankshaft Diameter (inches) | 3/4 | 3/4 |
| Sprocket Teeth | 12 | 10 – 12 |
| Weight (pounds) | 2.61 | 2.77 |
| Chain Size | 35 | 35, 40, 41, and 42 |
1. Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch – Best For Durability
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Pros
Cons
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Specification
- Bore Diameter: 3/4 inches
- Crankshaft Diameter: 3/4 inches
- Sprocket Teeth: 12
- Weight: 2.61 pounds
- Chain Size: 35
Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch is a dual-directional clutch, and the installation is not too complicated.
The clutch may have a respectable life expectancy with a low gear ratio and regular oiling. Some users have successfully used them for up to two years without experiencing any significant issues. One customer even shared that he had accidentally pulled a heavy load and made it smoke, but it still worked like a charm.
And don’t think that this superior quality will come at a high price. Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch is one of the most affordable yet effective products on the market.
It is the most effective substitute clutch for the 35-chain type. Go-kart engines with an output of between 2 and 6.5 horsepower are advised to use this product.
Another thing to notice is that there is only one choice available for the number of teeth, which is a 12-tooth sprocket. If you already own a roller chain, you may easily connect it to your kart or purchase one yourself.
Keep in mind that you need set screws to secure the clutch into the crankshaft. However, the seller does not include the set screws in the package, so you need to make extra purchases.
2. FDJ Predator 212 – Best For Compatibility
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Pros
Cons
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Specification
- Bore Diameter: 3/4 inches
- Crankshaft Diameter: 3/4 inches
- Sprocket Teeth: 10 and 12
- Weight: 2.77 pounds
- Chain Size: 35, 40, 41, and 42
FDJ Predator 212 is a well-known clutch among the karting community. Because the chain on the clutch may face either way, it can be installed both inwards or outwards. Instead of set screws, they are provided with washers and bolts so that they can be fastened directly to the kart’s crankshaft.
The sprockets of this product are compatible with 42, 41, 40, and 35 chain types. Also, in terms of teeth quantity, you can choose between 10 and 12 teeth, giving a wider range of choices compared to other products available on the current market. The clutch is made of durable steel that can resist wear and tear, bringing it a decent long-lasting ability.
Still, there is one drawback. The clutch weight revolution per minute rate is not high enough. The ratio mismatch to the wheels with rear drive can occasionally cause the engine to be insufficiently highly effective. The ratio just is not steep enough, which is the underlying cause of the engine smoking the clutch.
Comparison Of Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch Vs. FDJ Predator 212
Which is better: Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch and FDJ Predator 212? This comparison will show you the answer and help you determine which one is more suitable for your needs.
Compatibility
FDJ Predator 212 outshines the Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch when it comes to compatibility. While the latter can only be associated with a sprocket with 12 teeth, the former brings you two options, 10 and 12 teeth.
Also, the FDJ clutch may go with 42, 41, 40, and 35 chain types, giving you a wider range of choices compared to Auto Express, which can only be used with a 35-chain type.
Durability
Both products are made of high-quality steel, which can withstand deterioration and last quite a long time.
Still, after testing and comparing the two, we find the Auto Express clutch can last a bit longer than the FDJ Predator 212 with up to two years of use. Still, the FDJ clutch is not too far behind, with over one year of use.
Speed Control
When putting the speed control of the two products into comparison, we notice the FDJ Predator 212 is better than the Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch.
The former provides an engagement range of 2300+-300 revolutions per minute (rpm), while the latter only comes with 2000+-200 rpm. Thus, if you want to have a higher-performance clutch, FDJ Predator 212 is the go-to choice.
Maintenance
The maintenance of the two products is quite similar. Both need to be maintained regularly; failing to do so could result in the clutch failing after only a few uses. You should oil the clutch after every two to three rides.
The most important phrase to keep in mind when oiling is after usage, not before use. Oiling the clutch before usage results in the oil just flying off as the engine and the clutch start. On the contrary, oiling the clutch after use when it is hot makes it easy for the oil to be sucked in, bringing a smoother operating ability.
Installation
The Auto Express clutch and FDJ Predator 212 have similar ways of installation. The installation process of these two products might be a bit confusing for newbies
In case there is a gap between the crankshaft and the clutch, you will need to purchase extra 3/4-inch washers to fill in the space. Also, in order to prevent the chains from releasing while you are driving, the clutch must be in alignment with the axle.
Price
These centrifugal clutches are rather affordable compared to other types of clutches on the market. The difference between the two products is not too remarkable in terms of price.
Still, the FDJ Predator 212 comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Clutch Does A 212 Predator Take?
There are two suitable centrifugal clutches for the Predator 212cc engine that may be utilized: the 12T & 3/4 inches Clutch and the 10T & 3/4 inches Clutch. Still, the latter is considered a better choice since it can work with bigger, heavier chains.
Keep in mind that your Predator 212 engine requires a clutch with a ¾-inch bore to function properly. This helps the go-kart clutch move on top of the ¾-inch-diameter crankshaft of the engine.
Will A Centrifugal Clutch Work Backwards?
Yes. Centrifugal clutches typically function both ways. The friction between the drum and the cams increases the contact pressure in a single direction while decreasing it in the other. Therefore, the clutch can transfer more torque in that direction than the other.
The centrifugal clutch can suddenly lock up in a certain direction while constantly sliding in the opposite direction, depending on your chosen cam angle.
The essential cam angle, which decides whether it will smoothly engage like a clutch or grip and lock like a sprag, is likely to equal the friction coefficient’s arctangent.
What Is The Difference Between 10T And 12T Clutch?
The clutch sprocket of 12T clutches contains 12 teeth, compared to 10T clutches’ 10 teeth. When the same axle sprocket is used on two distinct go-karts, one with a 10T clutch and the other with a 12T clutch, you will notice the gear ratio of the go-kart that comes with the 12T clutch will be lower.
Off-road go-karts, go-karts with large tires, and heavier go-karts can all benefit from the 6:1 gearing and 10T clutch since they can generate more torque for the kart’s wheels.
On the other hand, the karts with 12T clutches will have a greater top speed yet low torque wheels, which can lead to your clutch failing on heavier go-karts or large-tire go-karts.
What Is The Best Gear Ratio For Go-Kart?
6:1 is a popular choice for go-kart gear ratios. The teeth number between the front and back sprockets determines the gear ratio of a go-kart.
A 6:1 gear ratio gives your go-kart maximum speed on lengthy straightaways and acceleration when exiting tight bends. However, it isn’t always the ideal choice for every circuit, but it can still be used for the majority of tracks.
The Bottom Line
So there you have our two recommendations for the best centrifugal clutch for predator 212 available out there. As you can tell after reading this post, Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch and FDJ Predator 212 are the two products we highly recommend.
Both of them have their own pros and cons. Suppose you are looking for a clutch with high compatibility; FDJ Predator 212 is the ideal product. Meanwhile, Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch is better for its long-lasting ability.
Although the journey of finding the best clutch for your engine can require some effort, it is an important part of your karting journey. Hopefully, this guide is helpful for you.
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