Description And Operation: Operation
FLYWHEEL
The flywheel serves to dampen the engine firing pulses. The heavy weight of the flywheel relative to the rotating mass of the engine components serves to stabilize the flow of power to the remainder of the drivetrain. The crankshaft has the tendency to attempt to speed up and slow down in response to the cylinder firing pulses. The flywheel dampens these impulses by absorbing energy when the crankshaft speeds and releasing the energy back into the system when the crankshaft slows down.
CLUTCH HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
The clutch hydraulic system is responsible for engaging and disengaging the clutch. Depressing the clutch pedal develops hydraulic pressure in the clutch master cylinder. Hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the release bearing that is in contact with the pressure plate diaphragm spring. As hydraulic force is applied the bearing depresses the diaphragm spring inward on the fulcrums that pushes the pressure plate rearward releasing clamping force on the clutch disc.
CLUTCH OPERATION
The flywheel is bolted firmly to the crankshaft which transmits part of the engine torque to the clutch disc. The rest of the torque passes into the cover through the bolts holding the clutch to the flywheel. From there, the straps transfer it to the clutch pressure plate. The diaphragm spring clamps the pressure plate against the clutch disc to achieve positive lock-up with flywheel. The clutch disc transmits the entire engine torque to the transmission via splined connection to the transmission input shaft. When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the release bearing actuate the diaphragm spring pivots on this fulcrum ring, so that the outside diameter moves away from the pressure plate. This causes the preloaded drive straps to pull the pressure plate away from the clutch disc, interrupting torque transmission. When the driver release pedal, the outer portion of the diaphragm springs acts on the pressure plate which clamps the clutch disc between the pressure plate and the flywheel.