Author Topic: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off  (Read 1346 times)

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Offline Wood Butcher

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044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« on: November 25, 2014, 08:44:50 pm »
I need to change the oil line on an 044 so I need to take the clutch off.  It's reverse thread. 

I stuck an old tooth-brush handle end into the hole and when I torqued on the breaker bar, it went flying across the shop.  So, uh, do I need one of the piston stop things?

Also, that clutch is really on there.  I was able to get the toothbrush working as a piston stop, but sure can't budge that clutch .  Impact wrench, even on real low setting, is probably out of the question, right?  I just don't want to break anything.

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Offline 3000 FPS

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #1 on: November 25, 2014, 09:18:11 pm »
Well I always use an impact wrench.  I put the spark plug in and let the compression do the work.  As long as you know it is left hand thread which you do just hit with short burst.
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Offline 660magnum

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2014, 09:18:53 pm »
I use the 1/2" drive impact wrench on 100 lbs air. No need for a piston stop. Just a blip - The clutch spins right off.

One thing you quickly learn is that taking the clutch off is one of the first things you do as soon as you get the chain off.
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Offline 660magnum

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2014, 09:24:24 pm »
Whatever you do, do not use a metal piston stop.

Use a plastic one, cloths line, or starter cord. Have the piston above the exhaust port before you stuff the cord through the spark plug hole.
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Offline 660magnum

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #4 on: November 25, 2014, 09:34:42 pm »
Putting the clutch back on has a few tales behind it too.

Put the saw all together with a chain on it and the clutch cover on and tight before you start the saw.

There's one guy that started his saw without the clutch bell on the clutch - needless to say, the shoes and springs were eventually found but it took a while.

Another started his saw with the clutch installed correctly but no chain or clutch cover. The clutch assembly went dancing all around the shop ricocheting like a bullet.

I just snug the clutch up on the crank but have everything together and stick the chain in some wood to tighten the clutch.
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Offline 3000 FPS

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2014, 09:42:25 pm »
I usually use the impact to put the clutch back on also.  Just a couple of short bursts and never had a problem.
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Offline Wood Butcher

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2014, 09:50:31 pm »
3000-saw your other thread from a while back where you gave same advice.  I was going to try that.

Thanks guys...hopefully it's just the oil line leaking.

Offline jmester

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2014, 09:57:57 pm »
i usually use a 1/2 breaker bar to loosen the clutch with a plastic piston stop then torque to tighten. but there are many ways to skin a cat. just be careful if you tighten with the impact to not hammer on it i have heard of guys breaking the crank.
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Offline 3000 FPS

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2014, 10:06:28 pm »
I have seen a windowed piston that was **** because of the use of a piston stop.   That is why I use an impact and compression from the engine.
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Offline RoyM

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Re: 044 Piston stop advice and how to get clutch off
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2014, 10:27:46 pm »
I use a piece of knotted starter cord and a short burst from the impact to loosen and tighten, have yet to break a piston or crank. Yet being the operative word here. I don't like solid stops.
I did have a clutch part company while blipping the throttle with the bar, chain, and cover off. Embedded the shoes in the drywall, never did find the springs. Didn't do it a second time.
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