NORAM Cheetah Users Manual

The Cheetah Racing Clutch

PLEASE NOTE: THE CHEETAH CLUTCH DOES NOT COME BUNDLED WITH THE WEIGHT SET FOR ADJUSTING RPM OUT OF THE BOX - THIS MUST BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY
By Noram

Dear Racer,
The Cheetah Plate Clutch is the latest
addition to the Noram Racing clutch
line. After several years of research,
development and testing we are proud to
introduce our first racing plate clutch.
This product is designed to offer the
highest performance of any racing clutch
at a lower price than equivalent models.
We believe, like you, that winning is not
a matter of cost but of skill, knowledge
and perseverance.
Sincerely,
Jeff Hargarten
President of Noram

WARNINGS

1. The Cheetah clutch and its associated
components move at a high speed. Use
clutch only when proper guarding is in
place.

2. Adjustments to the clutch should be made
while the engine is off. The engagement
should only be checked on the track or
with a properly fitted dyno.

3. Inspect the clutch for wear and damage
before and after each use.

4. Always use proper eye and hearing
protection when working on the clutch or
your kart.

5. This clutch has been designed for karting
applications only. Failure to use the clutch
properly can result in serious personal
injury.

6. If any parts are missing from the clutch do
not operate until missing parts are
replaced. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.

OPERATIONS
The clutch engagement speed is the point
where the plates fully engage the drum and
start transmitting the engines power to the
wheels. There are many different opinions
as to the ideal engagement speed. We
recommend setting the engagement at the
peak torque of the engine. The preset
engagement speed is 3,900-4,000 rpm but
can be altered by any combination of the
following:

1. Adjusting or changing the
springs,

2. Adding weights to the lever
arms.

3. Changing the friction plates.


INSTALLATION
1. The Cheetah clutch may be mounted
either inboard or outboard (sprocket
facing engine). We recommend
mounting the clutch inboard. This
increases the life of the drum and
allows for easier adjustment of
springs.

2. If there is any difficulty in sliding the
clutch onto the shaft use light emery
cloth to remove any nicks or burrs.
3. Install the flat washer, lock washer
and bolt. Torque to 150 inch
pounds.


CLUTCH BREAK IN

The Cheetah clutch requires a short period
of break in before optimum performance is
achieved. As the linings make contact
with the plates the friction material
burnishes the drive plates causing an
increased coefficient of friction and better
performance.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

AIR GAP- The Cheetah clutch has been
preset with a gap between the friction and
drive plates of .040 to .045 inches. The
gap can be checked with feeler gages.

SPRING HEIGHT – When altering the
spring height always adjust all six springs
at once. We recommend turning the
screws no more than ¼ turn each time.
Turning the screws clockwise raises the
engagement speed. Counter clockwise
lowers the engagement speed.

DOWEL PINS – The dowel pins should be
replaced every ten races. Be sure to apply
a light coat of grease to the pins with each
replacement.
LEVERS – The pivot hole on the lever
can become worn due to the stresses
exerted during normal operation. These
levers should be inspected before and
after each use to ensure the hole has not
become excessively elongated.

SPROCKET - The sprocket should be
replaced when the teeth become worn to
a sharp point. The chain should be oiled
regularly and have at least 2 inches of
free play.

BEARING - Inspect the bearing every
five races. The life of the bearing will
be increase if lubricated. We
recommend using a minimum amount of
grease. An excessive amount could
result in the friction plates becoming
contaminated.

GENERAL INSPECTION – The Cheetah
clutch has been designed to withstand
the high stresses and loads of
performance karting. In order to ensure
peak performance inspect the clutch
housing, springs, levers, sprocket and
bearing before and after each use. If any
part has been damaged or shows
excessive wear replace the component
immediately.