One (Clutch/Variator) Tool to Rule Them All?

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 2:43 am

I was looking for a clutch/variator holding tool for the Helix, as my Vespa-specific tools don't fit and a strap wrench wasn't allowing me to torque the variator nut tight enough.

There are some tools specific to large GY6-type engines, but they're pricey and, unfortunately, rather large. I was hoping for something somewhat portable that I could bring with me on Cannonball.

Then I stumbled on a post suggesting a variable-sopeed clutch holder for air conditioners. Only $9. I'd never seen it recommended for scoots before so figured I'd test it out.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KE ... 00_s00_i00

Worked like a charm! Short-handled, so required a little oomph to hold in place. But for home use, a pipe on the handle might make things a bit easier.

Best of all, it should work with most scooters. (Possibly not Vespa clutches, but will work on the variators.)

Pics below are for my Helix, but it should work on a Buddy as well. May not fit a socket through the center hole, but as the variator pic shows, you don't have to!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 4:36 am

great discovery! as someone who has different scoots (and a Helix...) $9 and portability sounds awesome!

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 5:10 am

Very nice for the clutch bell and for portability. Not so sure if I like it for the variator though. The way it's off-center and only grabs two vanes just doesn't hit me right - but I'm a symmetry freak. (Built a home-made tool that grabs all 12 vanes and is hands-free, but it ain't portable).

Just a minor suggestion - if possible, try slipping some sturdy rubber tubing (heater/fuel line for example) over the studs on the business end of the tool. Cuts down on slipping, and helps prevent the vanes from chipping if you do.

Oh, and you wear gloves when you work on the scoot? I envy you. I can't do squat unless I'm bare-handed.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 5:49 am

charlie55 wrote:Very nice for the clutch bell and for portability. Not so sure if I like it for the variator though. The way it's off-center and only grabs two vanes just doesn't hit me right - but I'm a symmetry freak. (Built a home-made tool that grabs all 12 vanes and is hands-free, but it ain't portable).

Many tools hold pretty much the same way — two pegs. It's off center because the socket won't fit through the center, but does well enough on top.

Working on the ground, holding it in place and working the torque wrench was a bit awkward, though. I may have a solution for that next time.

charlie55 wrote:Oh, and you wear gloves when you work on the scoot? I envy you. I can't do squat unless I'm bare-handed.

Usually just when doing something like this, herring wrenches, because I've skinned knuckles and pinched fingers too many times. I wear nitrite when doing fluids, too.

sc00ter · Post by **sc00ter** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 6:02 am

I have the OEM variator holder from Honda. It was exspensive new but, even though I no longer have a Helix, it fits the Buddy 125. Also bought the torque driver compressor clamp to service the clutch. That tool from Honda was extra exspensive but it works on any clutch assembly I have encountered. Your AC tool looks like a great find, and much cheaper than Honda OEM tools.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 6:17 am

I still wasn't able to get the clutch nut off! The previous person who worked on it probably tightened with a "real" impact wrench. Neither me not my 12v impact wrench could budge it. I'll take it to a friend's or to the shop when I need to.

The variator was surprisingly clean and well cared for. I'd be surprised if it hadn't been replaced.

az_slynch · Post by **az_slynch** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 6:43 am

Have you guys ever tried a strap wrench? I use these and have never had a problem getting a clutch or variator off:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_253674-16878-50 ... Id=1072405

I've used the big one on the clutch bells and variators of several different scoots (tested up to 250cc). The small one is great for spin-on oil filters.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 6:13 pm

az_slynch wrote:Have you guys ever tried a strap wrench? I use these and have never had a problem getting a clutch or variator off:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_253674-16878-50 ... Id=1072405

I've used the big one on the clutch bells and variators of several different scoots (tested up to 250cc). The small one is great for spin-on oil filters.

Yup. It wouldn't hold the variator well enough for me to properly torque the nut. There's not much for it to grab onto, just the edge of the pulley. I was able to tighten the nut using the strap wrench, just enough tight enough.