new clutch, what to do
 

Hello,
I just got a stock clutch put in (new). Is there a break in period for new clutches.
I got an 88 tII.
Thanks,
Benny

Absolutely!!! I'd just putt and drive normal for around 500 miles

Breaking in a clutch is only a myth.

Are you sure? Because Centerforce is VERY specific about breaking in the clutch. They even put in this separate bright orange slip with bold black letters on it stating to be sure to break it in for the first 500 miles. Now for a stock clutch, I am not sure it matters as I've never seen anything mentioned about that before.

I didn't bother breaking my clutch in, as soon as i replaced it, i immediately dumped the clutch from 3 grand to test it out and repeatidly did that. My clutch was fine up until i pulled the motor. What would be the point in breaking in a clutch? There's no parts to settle.

It's my understanding that clutches do in fact seat themselves to the flywheel. Now maybe that happens quicker than I think, or maybe not. So benny_rx_blanco, you can choose to either dump your brand new clutch at 3k rpm, or give it a measly 500 mile break-in period, seems that it's up to you. ;)

Seems to me if a clutch has to seat itself to the flywheel, it'd be harder on it to slip the clutch than to dump it, but here is a direct quote from Center Force because that brand was mentioned.

"IT IS RECOMMENDED TO PROPERLY SEAT IN THE NEW PRESSURE PLATE & DISC ASSEMBLY TO ASSURE GOOD CLUTCH PERFORMANCE. CENTERFORCE RECOMMENDS 450-500 MILES OF IN TOWN STOP AND GO TYPE OF EASY DRIVING BEFORE APPLYING FULL POWER. IF YOUR DRIVING CONSISTS OF MAINLY HIGHWAY TYPE USE, THE BREAK IN PERIOD SHOULD BE LONGER THAN THE 450-500 MILES. IF THE BREAK IN PERIOD IS NOT PROPERLY FOLLOWED, CLUTCH LIFE AND PERFORMANCE CAN BE SACRIFICED."

Center force clutches are also different from normal clutches, they use some sort of centripital force for it's holding compacity, i'm unsure how this works, but it may be a factor in their clutches needing to be broken in. I'll read up a little more on clutches and post more answers.

After reading i've read that it depends on the material of the clutch as to it's break in period, racing clutches require no break in period and others have recommended break-in periods of 500 miles, kevlar clutches have a recommended break in period of 750 miles. I've also read elsewhere that the clutch will seat itself within 10-30 minutes of driving. My conclusion - no one really knows.

safer than sorry
 

Thanks guys.