Clutch Wear question

[hansgroenewold]

Hello,
I have a 2020 TaoTao Lancer 150cc with 2200 miles on it.  The CVT belt just broke and while examining the variator and clutch, I noticed what I think is unusual wear, please see attached picture. The scooter ran fine until the belt broke and I wanted to know if anyone could tell me what possibly caused this type of wear on the clutch?  I ordered a new variator and clutch, but I'm stuck with regards to the belt size.

The belt was pretty much destroyed with no info as to what size the belt was/is.  I found and ordered one on partskit.com which I guess is owned by Tao Motors for only $7.50. The belt's referred to as "835" which I'm assuming is the circ.  The belt that was on there appeared to be 18 mm. wide and about that circ. (835).

My plan is to see if the belt fits and if it does, get a better name brand belt as I doubt a $7.50 one will last very long.  If anyone has a belt and size recommendation, I'd apppreciate it.  Thanks for any help you can provide.

Best regards,
Hans

[aeroxbud]

Welcome to the forum.
Wow that crazy. Never seen anything like that before. If I had to guess I would think the pads were not properly bonded together from the factory.
That or it's got too hot. But that should be evident by the colour of the clutch bell, if it's the case.

[90GTVert]

835-20-30 is a popular belt size on GY6 125+. Bando should make those when you're looking for a replacement. If you measured a chunk of the old belt, maybe it was worn.

[hansgroenewold]

Thanks for your help. I think you're probably correct in that the belt was worn. Is the belt supposed to sit completely down on the flat center part of the variator? On the clutch, I don't see a flat portion for it to ride on. I'm assuming most of the traction of the belt against the pulleys is the through the sides of the belt and not so much with the teeth on the belt itself? Thanks.

Hans

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[GrumpyUnk]

Looks like water soluble clutch friction material. Parked out for 4-5 years, and even condensation will degrade clutch material if it is low grade.
All have said to replace the clutch, and I think that is a good suggestions. I would inspect the variator surfaces and the rollers and the roller guides/tray where the rollers move for wear and smooth ramps. The variator has 3 guides that make sure the cover moves freely without jamming. If worn and allowing too much slop, replace them.
Some makers have put a thick roller between the variator moving part to keep the ratio from going to the fastest setting(squeezed all the way). It can be removed if local regulations allow, and would increase top speed.
tom

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[GrumpyUnk]

"water soluble clutch friction material"==cheap clutch friction material produced where feedback to the vendor is generally ignored, and if bad enough, the firm shuts down, changes its name, and begins again...

The frictions are made up of particles of 'stuff' that are held together by a glue. If the glue is susceptible to dissolution by water, it would look like a jumble instead of a clutch pad.
I have seen fried brake shoes, and the friction material was either severely cracked or was so bad it crumbled.
I have seen glazed clutch plates that are missing all the frictions, and some just missing 'chunks'.
With the China material I figured you just don't know what it will do. I do not claim to know all, just an opinion on why the friction is so deteriorated. Could have gotten overheated, could be dissolved. I dunno.
Actually, it kind of does not matter, as replacement parts would be a good idea. Shoes are available to just replace those if desired.
tom

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[hansgroenewold]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, I appreciate it. The scooter itself is only 3 years old with 2200 miles on it and I'm the original owner. The variator looked good but I replaced it anyway along with the clutch. I bought a Gates Powerlink belt with Kevlar. I finally located the engine code (157QMJ) and the 835/20/30 belt suggested was the correct size. I also removed the kick starter gears as I never used it anyway. "JJoshua20214" mentioned proper cooling and a fan. I only see a vent on the left side of the case. Is there a fan I should check that I'm not aware of? Thanks again.

Best regards,
Hans

[aeroxbud]

The fan is fixed to the front pulley half in your picture. 😉
The Kevlar belts take a bit longer to wear in than a normal belt. So you might not see the true potential for the first 100 miles.

[hansgroenewold]

I guess that's what the fins on the pulley are for huh?  , duh ! Thanks for the info about the belt, good to know. I'm testing it and I did notice throttle response wasn't as good as it was. 

[snaker]

Apr 16, 2024 16:11:01 GMT -5 hansgroenewold said:

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, I appreciate it. The scooter itself is only 3 years old with 2200 miles on it and I'm the original owner. The variator looked good but I replaced it anyway along with the clutch. I bought a Gates Powerlink belt with Kevlar. I finally located the engine code (157QMJ) and the 835/20/30 belt suggested was the correct size. I also removed the kick starter gears as I never used it anyway. "JJoshua20214" mentioned proper cooling and a fan. I only see a vent on the left side of the case. Is there a fan I should check that I'm not aware of? Thanks again.

Best regards,
Hans

I notice that the belt is sitting pretty far down in the driven pulley.
If the photo was taken at belt replacement, then no worries.
The CVT always has to be run and "exercised" after manipulation to bring the belt to a normal operating position.

CVT cases differ, but you should have a forward "in" vent and a rear "out" vent.
Many of these have a filter of some kind in the "in" vent.
Take a look and clean/ replace

[hansgroenewold]

The picture you mentioned was taken after I replaced the belt and rode it down the street. Here's a fresh picture I just took. I've done a few test runs before I'm putting the cover back on and the belt seems to like this position at rest/idle. When it idles, the belt stays in the same position as in the picture and stays steady. It doesn't flop around and with the engine off the belt to me, feels as it should, not too tight and not too loose. Thanks for the tip about the exit vent at the rear . I see it now and will make sure the entry/exit vents are both clear. I appreciate the input from everyone.
Best regards,
Hans

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