1950-1966 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Here's a more detailed explanation of the Saxomat, from the 1961 book "SAAB Guide," by Keith Ayling:
"The 'Sax-O-Mat' automatic clutch is available as an optional extra on the SAAB 96, but you have to order it when you buy the car because its installation calls for some modifications in the engine configuration.
The 'Sax-O-Mat' consists mainly of two independent systems, the centrifugal clutch and the servo clutch. The clutch is disengaged automatically whenever the accelerator is released or the gear shift lever is touched. You can even drive with slipping clutch by operating the accelerator very gently, but this is not recommended.
The centrifugal clutch is installed in the flywheel. Its function is entirely dependent upon engine speed. At an r.p.m. lower than 1,000 the clutch is released. As the engine speed increases, the flyweights are thrown out and the clutch begins to take hold. At engine speeds above 1,800 r.p.m., maximum clutch pressure is obtained.
The servo clutch is operated by the vacuum generated in the intake manifold when the accelerator is released. The hose connection between the servomotor and inlet valve passes through the electromagnetic control valve, which is controlled by the gear shift lever.
When you touch the gear shift lever, the control valve opens and the servo cylinder immediately starts to work <i>if the accelerator is released.</i> The motion of the servo cylinder diaphragm is transmitted through the servo cylinder rod and the clutch lever to the release bearing. The clutch is disengaged so quickly that no resistance at all is noticeable in the gear shift lever. As soon as the lever is released, the control valve closes and the clutch pressure increases as the vacuum in the servo cylinder gradually becomes less. Pressing down the accelerator immediately after releasing the gear shift lever produces maximum clutch pressure almost instantly."
If it isn't evident from the above description, the Sax-O-Mat includes quite a few parts different from a normal two-stroke -- so if you think it's tough finding parts and repair expertise for a regular manual-shift stroker, keeping a Sax-O-Mat going is bound to be even MORE challenging... of course, some people just love this kind of challenge!
posted by 68.227.170...
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