Modular clutch failure

[Rabbit07]

I want to remind any of you Neon racers to check the clutch bolts that attach the flywheel to the flex plate. I had the second failure this last weekend at Sebring. This time it broke the trans in half, throwing flames 50 ft from behind the car. I will post pics later when I get some time take pictures of what is left. The last time this happened I ending up ruining an engine.

[Chip42]

Chris - saw the incident and can only offer my condolences - you put on quite a show for a few seconds!

good luck on the rebuild.

[splats]

Chris,
Just a couple of questions, were the bolts:
1) new or old
2) factory or aftermarket (grade?)
3) torqued
4) thread-locked
5) were you using old style modular or H.D. style modular (turbo pt)

I'm not questioning what you did, just trying to find-out why it happened. I went thru 2 NEW traditional clutches in one weekend at Sebring before I found out the someone helping me get the car ready, zip-tied some wires the adjustable part of the clutch cable. I've since gone the modular (turbo pt) route with a new cable & new turbo bolts. Zero problems after 6-7 track hours at Sebring/Daytona. Please let us know what you find that may have caused the issue.

[Matt Rowe]

Chris,

It sounds like us IT Neon guys need a alternate (lightened) flywheel for safety reasons.

Seriously though, sorry to hear about the problem. How long since you last torqued the bolts and do you use anything like threadlock or some other secondary retainer?

[CRallo]

so the bolts back out? or actually break?

[wcmcarlos]

Chris,

I promise never to wish you luck on the grid again!
Looks like I brought you bad luck instead.
I left the track just after we sent out the split start for your group.
So,, I did not know of your incident til now.
There were surely some strange happenings on the track at this National,
I could not believe how many cars got torn up during double yellow periods !!

One time on Sunday I looked up towards the tower, and it did look like they were having an old fashioned "blue light special" on wrist slaps!

I do regret talking to you about Mark's clutch trouble, my wife calls it
"the rubber band theory" when stuff snaps back.

Have a safe trip back to the frozen north,
Carlos

[Rabbit07]

I always use new Mopar fasteners with thread lock compound already on them. Then I tighten the crap out of them. The clutch is a stock neon modular from 96-. They seem to just work themselves loose. I only had about 200 miles on it since the install of the last engine.

[Rabbit07]

I like the edm idea, I wouldn't have thought of that, thanks!

[Speed Raycer]

Scattershield????

Let us know what you come up with on the bolts... sounds like a good idea for a group buy