HOT Clutch

[MNewberger]

Hey everybody,

I ran my Alaskan mill for the first time yesterday. The powerhead is a Stihl 066. I made about 8 cuts 8 ft long in a 17" diameter pine. In Minnesota here, it was about 15 degrees F. The saw cut great with the Woodland Pro 33RP chain but I noticed some smoking under the clutch cover and the nuts were very hot. Too hot to touch. Also my clutch drum is wobbling pretty good. Is this much heat normal for milling? I'm going to pick up a new drum and bearing before my next run. I have read that I should be greasing the needle cage bearing. What grease is recommended?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mad Professor]

Wobbling drum is not good. Get that problem sorted out before you damage the crank end surface.

Grease the bearing when you install it, otherwise chain oil should be enough. Realize the clutch drum is only freewheeling when not under load.

The other thing that will make things get hot is debris packed around the clutch under the cover. Clean it out well when you replace the bearing/drum.

Edit: Also check your clutch springs, broken/weak will make clutch drag

 

[MNewberger]

Would you recommend any good aftermarket clutch drum/bearing packages or should I just go to the local dealer and get the OEM stuff?

 

[BobL]

I have read that I should be greasing the needle cage bearing. What grease is recommended?.

I use moly grease.