McCullough 3516 - Change Clutch Assembly

[McCullough]

Have a McCullough 3516, which was made prior to McCullough's bankruptcy. Its over 10 years old; however, with a 14" bar it makes a comfortable and reliable delimbing saw. I also have a bunch of new spare parts for it; however, the clutch assembly / shoes have finally worn out. The local small engine shop wanted $80.00 to $100.00 to fix it, which is way too much from my point of view (I understand these guys can work for free).

The clutch is held on to the saw with a nut. On the opposite side of the saw, on the other end of the engine shaft is another nut. I'd like to remove the nut on the clutch; however, when you place a wrench on both nuts the nut on the other end of the shaft, not the nut on the clutch, loosens. There does not appear to be any type of access port on the saw, like many older saws have, which would allow you get some kind of leverage against only the nut on the clutch. What would be the best way to remove the clutch nut - I definitely do not want have to disassemble anything engine-wise as the engine still runs great.

??

 

[TimberPig]

Stuff some starter rope into the cylinder through the spark plug hole, but be careful to make sure the piston is above the ports before you begin threading it in. The rope will jam between the piston and the head and lock things up, allowing the clutch to be loosened. Just make sure the rope is clean, and the piston is high enough before you drop the rope in and it will not harm anything, but will allow the clutch to be removed.

 

[mbopp]

Remember, the nut on the clutch side is most likely left-hand thread. Using your opposite-side wrenches won't work - all you're doing is tightening the nut you want to loosen! Yes, use a rope as a piston stop as TimberPeg says.

If you need a clutch try here:

http://www.fayettevilleequipment.com/

 

[McCullough]

Thanks for the tips! I now have it running and can use instead of the new lemon AV1839AV.

 

[retoocs555]

(I understand these guys can work for free).

Do you have their contact info? At that price I might hire some of my repairs out :hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: