Experimental "Watts" Clutch

[MWalker]

A while back, RV Anderson bought the Watts clutch business from Mr. Watts when he retired. RV told me that the person who was making the friction material for those clutch discs retired as well, so he had to find a substitute material. He made a few with that material and sold me one to try it. He asked that I report back to him after I had put some miles on it. Well, I didn't get around to using it right away, and I also built a few engines/transmissions for other people around that time using Lang's Turbo 400 clutch set. As a result, I lost track of which car that experimental clutch went into. But I'm pretty sure I put it into mine. I haven't driven my car much since then until recently. On the first day of our club's Fall tour last year, I could feel the clutch slipping just a bit. That evening, I tightened the three clutch fingers the minimum amount (1/2 turn) and buttoned it up. When I started the engine, the car lurched forward. I had no neutral. So I put the 3-finger adjustment back where it was before. It drove OK like that, but I could occasionally feel the clutch slip just a bit. I subsequently drove the car very little until this past weekend, when our club had its Spring tour. On the first day of the tour, the car did OK, but the clutch gradually began slipping more. It finally got to the point where it wouldn't pull the car up a hill, so I used low pedal to get to the top of the hill where there was a turnout and I could park. Several of our Club members stopped as well. (BTW, low and reverse gears work fine.) Fortunately, a turkey hunter stopped to see what the fuss was about, and he offered me a ride back to where my truck and trailer were parked, about 35 miles away. So I was able to get the car loaded up and joined our group at the tour base 100 miles to the south. I towed it back home yesterday, no problem. My car is now patiently waiting for me to get around to pulling the engine/transmission so I can swap out the clutch for another. I'm not looking forward to it, but at least I'm equipped for the task.

I'm sorry for the lengthy explanation of what happened, but I felt the background was necessary in order to ask this question: Did anyone else get one of those experimental Watts clutches from RV? If so, what has been your experience with it? Unfortunately, it's too late for me to report back to RV, since he recently passed away. I'm just curious to know whether anyone else has had a similar experience.

[speedytinc]

The Watts clutch had a terrible reputation. I cant speak to the more current RV version. The disks were very thick. used 4 or 5. Not enough grip surface? Th400's use 8 or 9. That might be the reason for the special provided spring that would expand out of place & was upgraded with a retaining cup. I actually had a set in my hands @ Tulare this week. There might be someone that made it work. (they will tell us here) I have not heard anything positive.

[Dropacent]

I’ve got just over 400 miles on one of the very last of the watts before RV took them over. I can report no issues, and the clutch performs flawlessly. Of course , the motor was done by Engine Joe Bell, and 400 miles isn’t a big test, and I also drive it like a T.
This reminds me of the New Day timer. If you own and covet and use originals, you likely love them. If you get one of the later copies, you may likely not be a fan

[RGould1910]

Glad to hear your experience, Tim, although I'm sorry you have to change your clutch . I purchased one of RV Andersons "Watts" style clutches with the new material but haven't installed it. I was not told the material was experimental. I assumed Anderson had thoroughly tested his product before offering it for sale to the public.
I've owned three cars with the original Watts clutch with Chaffin clutch springs and they all run flawlessly. A true neutral and softer engagement than a lined clutch. All were installed over 10 years ago and have been run many miles. Based on your experience I will not install the Anderson clutch.

[Moxie26]

20 years ago when the engine and our 26 Runabout was rebuilt and a "over the counter ". Watts clutch was installed.. . Slippage was never detected. ... I have no knowledge of RVs purchase or manufacturing of Watts clutches..... And if he did , why would he put out a inferior product???

[Dropacent]

Richard, I DON’T have to change mine, and the car runs and drives great. Please reread my post. I do remember RV having trouble finding suitable material before he came out with his version, and I have no experience with his. It’s been a half dozen years and 400+ with no issues, and thinking back, I had to search out the strong spring that was recommended. I’m a little fuzzy on it, but there was something about some of the springs not being right and slipped out of place……maybe someone will remember. Could that be an issue , Mike? Not to drift too much, but it’s still about the original Watts and the Anderson Watts.

[Mark Gregush]

Weren't the supplied springs at one time made of round wire, which was the issue.

[warwick_preval]

Hello fellow Ter's My watts clutch is working as it should with 4,000 + miles on it & climbing. Not sure about what material used but RV said to use the stronger spring which i did & touch wood will keep going strong cheers Warwick.

[speedytinc]

Weren't the supplied springs at one time made of round wire, which was the issue.

Yes. true, they would open up.

[MWalker]

Just for the record, I have had several Watts clutches in my cars with many thousands of miles and no problems. I still haven't opened up the tranny cover to see what's in there.

[MWalker]

Richard G. -- "Experimental" was the term I used, but I don't recall RV calling it that. He just said he was trying a new material which he thought would work like the original Watts material. But he did say it was a new material and wanted feedback on it, so I thought that sounded like an experiment. I don't know whether he stayed with that material, or maybe he found something better for those he produced.