Is SC Clutch supposed to spin at idle?

Subscribe
May 1, 2009 | 12:22 AM
  #1  
I've been getting some engine vibrations, and read somewhere that the SC Clutch and SC Pulley are supposed to spin freely. I was checking my engine out and noticed when at idle, both of mine spin together. Is that normal, or do I have a problem?

Code3 SC Pulley BTW.
Reply 0
May 1, 2009 | 12:43 AM
  #2  
Its normal for the clutch to spin when its not engaged as far as i know.
Reply 0
May 1, 2009 | 12:50 AM
  #3  
Quote: Its normal for the clutch to spin when its not engaged as far as i know.
Thanks for the clarification . This vibration has really got me concerned.
Reply 0
May 1, 2009 | 12:53 AM
  #4  
I'm having my own SC questions these days to, but to add to my last post.

Air is being sucked in when that air hit the rotors it causes them to move in turn spinning the clutch the air that is coming in is not fast enough to make any boost, its when the clutch is engaged that it spins fast enough to start sucking air and ramming it into your engine.

Its kind of like a windmill effect. its just the air thats moving the rotors not a mechanical force. Or say like a fan in a window that is off just blowing in the breeze.
Reply 0
May 1, 2009 | 05:03 PM
  #5  
SC clutch
I would add that the gap between the plates of the SC clutch is very tight and there is just enough light contact to spin the impellers a little when not engaged. However, if you carefully applied friction to the SC side of the clutch (not the pulley side) you can stop the SC from spinning.

Regarding your vibration. Can you hear it or feel it? Does it stop when the SC is slowed using friction? or does it remain? If it is still audible, take a length of rubber hose, with engine idling and taking extreme care to not get it into the pulleys or belt, listen to each pulley bearing and you will likely find one that is making a racket. I ended up replacing both my SC pulley bearing and the middle idler pulley and am about to replace the top idler as well. Those all take a beating but are cheap and easy to replace. Better to spend a little to replace as end up stranded somewhere. Usually the SC internals do not go bad, but as Hooley painfully knows, that is not 100% true.

Irish
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE