I have questions on clutches that no one can answer so I'm throwing it out here for comments. How do you tell the difference between the v-8 clutch for a 308 and the v-12 clutch for 365's? Visually I have 2 clutches here and both have the same markings on them. The only difference is that one pressure plate/friction plate has a green paint swipe on it and green springs, and the other has blue on it. Any comments? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Interesting. I thought the driven disc was the same. The friction material on the original discs was bonded/riveted to a metal backing. I understand that this is no longer done. The friction material is riveted directly to the fingers of the hub assembly. The difference that I am familiar with is the pressure plate. The V-12 pressure plate had a stronger diaphragm spring. The pressure plates looked identical but the fingers of the V-8 part were marked with a spot of medium blue paint and the fingers of the V-12 part were marked with a spot of "pea soup" green paint.
I'm not certain, but just from observing the photo, the green springs have one less coil within the same length as the blue springs, which to me would indicate the green springs are a stiffer spring, which I would conclude goes in the 365 given it's larger (higher output) motor. But I have no experience so this is just from observation. Phil
Also, the diameter of the metal section of the green spring (not overall spring diameter) is somewhat larger as well, since the metal is "thicker", that would also denote a stiffer spring. as it's harder to deflect unless the steel alloy is different.. which is doubtful as spring steel would most likely be the same or extremely similar). I'd cuncur that the green spring clutch plate is for an engine with more HP and torque. JD
interesting comments I have checked with several dealerships and asked them to pull a clutch and let me know the paint color. 2 so far have reported BLUE as a v-12 clutch. PS the pressure plate also has a corresponding green or blue paint swipe on it--and both have the same part number!
PS-i just finished rebuilding them myself, they were not bonded but only riveted together. After a very long search, I was able to get a batch of "friction rings" made to fit the application! I may start rebuilding them for people!
Hi Did you explore the kevlar option for the driven disc? A while ago, I changed the clutch on a Noble and the disc was rebuilt with kevlar friction material. In my discussions with the gentleman on the West Coast, I got the impression that he could make up a disc for anything. On the pressure plate front: if you were curious enough, I put a low pressure gauge on my shop press and was able to see the difference in pressure required to deflect the diaphragm spring.
