Adapter kit for a clutch

Claim 1

An adapter kit for a clutch which is of the axially engaging multiple-disk type including a driver cylindrical shell having an axis with a bearing in one end and a driven hub in the bearing, a circular array of studs secured in the hub and having distal ends extending into the shell and parallel to the axis, circumferentially spaced inward original keys parallel to the axis and fastened to the shell by bolts, alternating original drive and driven clutch discs disposed radially in the shell, the drive discs being of metal and notched at their peripheries to receive respectively the keys and driven discs formed with apertures to receive respectively the studs, a spring collar secured to the distal ends of the studs, a clutch compression plate intermediate the discs and the spring collar and spring means between the compression plate and the spring collar urging the compression plate to compress the discs together to engage the clutch, the kit comprising: a sleeve having an inside diameter and adapted after removal of the original drive and driven discs and the bolted-on keys to fit snugly into the shell, the sleeve being radially drilled and tapped and receiving threaded fasteners through the same holes occupied by the bolts holding on the original keys to secure the sleeve in position, the sleeve being provided with inward keys of greater number than the original keys, a set of adapter discs adapted to replace the original discs and consisting of a greater total number of discs than the original discs comprising alternating: drive discs, the drive discs being of non-metal composition and of the same diameter as the inside diameter of the sleeve and having peripheral notches arranged to receive the keys on the sleeve, the drive discs having a central opening amply receiving all of the studs, and driven discs of metal having a thickness and formed with apertures to receive respectively the individual studs, the driven discs not extending out to the keys, whereby with the sleeve installed in the shell and the adapter discs installed in place of the original discs, the clutch operates under lighter spring pressure, is less prone to disc wabble perceived as quasi-engagement and is generally quieter in operation than before the adaptation.