Clutch Disassembly
The centrigugal clutch on the Radne is threaded onto the crankshaft
with
a left hand thread.
In order to remove it the
flywheel must be held stationary while the hex
nut in the center of the clutch is rotated in the clockwise
direction.
I believe a special tool is made to hold the flywheel, but I doubt that
many people actually own one. I use a block or blocks of wood
against
the cooling fins on the flywheel, which has been sufficient.
If the
clutch is really tight you may have to find another method to keep from
damaging the fins.
Once you have gotten the clutch
loose you have done the hard part.
After you unscrew the clutch assembly you will be left with the clutch
drum and toothed sprocket still on the crankshaft.
These may now be simply lifted
off, revealing the roller bearing assembly
underneath it.
The roller
bearings should be lightly greased, but not excessively, else
the grease will leak out into the clutch. This bearing only
sees
movement when the engine is idling and/or the prop is
free-wheeling.
Whenever the clutch is engaged the drum is locked to the shaft and the
bearing does not roll.
The roller
bearing may be easily lifted off the crankshaft for cleaning
and lubrication. Re-assemble in the reverse order.
It is not
necessary to tighten the clutch mechanism when it is screwed back on,
as
it will tighten itself under load.