Question On Clutch Removal: 028 Super AV

[sarge14]

Today I replaced the drive sprocket on my Stihl 028 Super AV and I noticed that the clutch springs were rusty and may need replacing. My chain will still stop at idle but sooner or later I'm going to have to replace them.

Can anyone tell me if the nut that holds the clutch in place is a reverse thread? Also, is there a special wrench that is used on this? I can slip a box end over it but there's not much grip on the nut.

Also, I've been told that it's easier to remove the clutch when replacing the springs...or, is it possible to replace them while the clutch is still in place?

Your advise and comments are appreciated!

 

[bcorradi]

Yes the clutch is left handed thread. To secure the piston in place put a piece of rope down the plug hole to hold the piston at TDC. You can use a 19mm box end wrench or a socket to remove it. I've replaced them before without removing the clutch so whatever is easiest for you will work.

 

[sarge14]

Thanks bcorradi, I've never replaced the springs before. I'll order some new springs and try using the socket. I have a piston stop but no impact wrench (Which I may need to remove the nut, seeing as how it appears to be rusted on!).

Thanks again for the help...any other info is appreciated.

 

[bcorradi]

Ok I'd spray some PB blaster on it or something similar. There have been very few clutches I haven't been able to remove manually. I'd avoid using the impact unless its your last resort.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

I exclusively use an impact myself. It's going to take a pre=determined amount of torque to loosen the driver, Id much rather that torque be applied quickly and solidly, instead of putting torque on the crank, rod, piston gradually, because you've had to block the piston.

Also, I dont use rope or anything, just put the socket or tool on the clutch, and give it a quick squeeze, and off comes the clutch driver, easy.

 

[cbfarmall]

I replaced a sprocket on my 090 and used an impact to remove/install the clutch nut. Very next time I started it, the engine was hammering badly. Tore it down and found a broken piston skirt. Now I'm not saying for sure the impact did that, but it was enough to convict. I don't use impacts anymore---090 pistons are expensive.

BTW...I pulled a clutch off an 044 that was so tight I had to stand on the power head and use a cheater pipe with the clutch wrench. It wasn't rusty, just tight. No damage incurred.

Chris B.

 

[vegaome]

Today I replaced the drive sprocket on my Stihl 028 Super AV and I noticed that the clutch springs were rusty and may need replacing. My chain will still stop at idle but sooner or later I'm going to have to replace them.

Can anyone tell me if the nut that holds the clutch in place is a reverse thread? Also, is there a special wrench that is used on this? I can slip a box end over it but there's not much grip on the nut.

Also, I've been told that it's easier to remove the clutch when replacing the springs...or, is it possible to replace them while the clutch is still in place?

Your advise and comments are appreciated!

Howdy Sarge14,

I replaced the clutch springs on the same modle your talking about a couple of months ago. Pretty simple, clamp the saw down and use a piece of wire to pull on the spring end. Pair of needle nose helps hold the wire or wrap it around a stick and I believe I cut a piece of plastic zip strip to wedge in there to keep it from spinning.

Good Luck

v/r

Mike

 

[Lakeside53]

On smaller saws the impact wrench is great way to shear the flywheel key or bust of the crank at the flywheel.

 

[Lakeside53]

.

BTW...I pulled a clutch off an 044 that was so tight I had to stand on the power head and use a cheater pipe with the clutch wrench. It wasn't rusty, just tight. No damage incurred.

Chris B.

I find the best way to remove stubborn clutches is to put the saw vertical (upside down) in in big vice - by the inner dog. Then you have two feet and two hands for the breaker bar!

 

[2dogs]

Andy is it OK to use an impact wrench at all even on the bigger saws? My MS260 is acting like the clutch is dragging though it looks to be fine. I plan on replacing the springs this week.

 

[cbfarmall]

I find the best way to remove stubborn clutches is to put the saw vertical (upside down) in in big vice - by the inner dog. Then you have two feet and two hands for the breaker bar!

All I had handy was myself. Anyway, that Stihl clutch wrench sure is tough. Bought it for my 045 but it works on all brands.

Chris B.

 

[Lakeside53]

Andy is it OK to use an impact wrench at all even on the bigger saws? My MS260 is acting like the clutch is dragging though it looks to be fine. I plan on replacing the springs this week.

Well... I do sometimes, but it's bad practice.

I wouldn't bother to take the clutch off to just replace springs on a 260.

 

[Lakeside53]

All I had handy was myself. Anyway, that Stihl clutch wrench sure is tough. Bought it for my 045 but it works on all brands.

Chris B.

If your talking about the 3 oinged tool, yes... We have a few welded on to 1/2 inch drive sockets, and use them on saws when we can get the fingers between the shoes.

 

[paladin]

When I first got my 028 the clutch was so tight I did use an impact (1st time with clutch) did'nt use a piston stop just quick blast to break it loose. I also toke a deep 6 point socket and ground it flat on the end to fit the clutch nut better. I don't usually use a impact on any thing, to easy to break things. Make sure you are turning it the right way ,a guy at work used a impact the wrong way and broke the crank on his 610 mac.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

Well, all I know if In the 2 months ive worked at the shop I do, we've been taking off dozens and dozens of clutchs on various models with an impact and either a proper clutch tool ,or a customized clutch tool.

And it's been done that way there for at least 20 years, I can only imagine if there had ever been an issue, management would have discontinued this.

I always dreaded getting clutches of myself. The thought of putting so much stress on the crank, rod, and piston by blocking it always made me cringe. When I was shown the new way, I was elated!

You figure out which way the nut or clutch spins, then put the tool on, set the impact to soft, and give it a quick squeeze, and off comes the clutch.

If you shear your key doing this, you were probably at risk of breaking something doin it the other way, if it was on that tight.

Also, if your flywheel nut is torqued properly, it shouldnt shear to begin with.

 

[Lakeside53]

Also, if your flywheel nut is torqued properly, it shouldnt shear to begin with.

Not true when you use an impact on the clutch side... the peak torque can be a a lot higher than the flywheel seem in machine operation.

Oh, 20 years? well.. todays small engine flywheels have moved toward steep tapers and cast keys..

Keep on using it on your smaller machines... you soon see...