Vario clutch plate differences?

[trabitom99]

Morning all!

I have a vario clutch plate question. I've got two clutch plates, as you can see in the pictures:




Both are 180mm wide.

I'm pretty sure the one on the left is for a 300 vario: It's also got the same design as the clutch plate diagram in the green books.

The clutch plate on the right has a Volvo number printed on it: 3212297, which is the part number listed for vario clutch plates as from 1985. It's listed as being "non asbestos" so it seems likely that the only difference to the "old" number (3266801) is the different material used.

However, the design of this clutch plate is obviously different (although the design of the plate in the 1985 on parts catalogue uses the same plate design as earlier versions). As you can see in these pics:




the "splined bit" (???) where the prop shaft goes in sticks out a lot further in the (confirmed) 85 on version.

Any idea why? Would both plates still fit all varios, regardless of model year?

Cheers

Tom

[Chris_C]

Just looking at it Tom (and given I know nothing on Varios) the top hat style seems to be an alloy casting, but the flat a steel? If so, I imagine it is to keep the same spline strength/torque carrying capibility maybe?

The spliny bits shouldn't be near anything that moves anyway, the clutch release bearing is another half inch along the shaft I'd have thought.

Just musings mind

[volvodspec]

yep these are the 2 versions; they are interchangable. the 6-spring version tends to be able to engage slightly smoother but the 4-spring version is also fine

[trabitom99]

Thanks guys, that's very helpful

Tom