How Do I Remove This Clutch Assembly?

How do I remove this clutch assembly for cleaning, or is it even necessary to remove and clean? Stihl 461. Finding Stihl diagrams is like trying to find hens' teeth.

 

Put a piece of pull chord or rope down the spark plug hole to hold the piston, and turn off with a socket in the direction it says off on the clutch. Just be careful not to get the pull chord or rope stuck in a port.

 

I wouldn't take it off unless something is wrong with it. Clean in place with an air hose and maybe some degreaser on the shoes and drum.

 

I have found hens teeth before.

 

Cordless impact wrench works for me. Grease the needle bearings while in there.

 

Yup , works for me. Just be sure you are going the proper direction before pulling the trigger , most are left hand thread.
Grease is good but you don't need a ton of it.

 

If you need more info on that 461 , go over to OPE . Go down to the sub forum “ manuals “ , there is a thread “ Stihl manuals “ . You can find the work shop manual for your 461 in one of the replies . The thread covers most every Stihl model as well .

 

Impacts work... just be careful. You don’t need to take the clutch off to clean things up. In fact, don’t...unless there’s another issue that needs to be dealt with (oil pump, seals, etc.).

Stihls have the inboard clutch so the needle bearing rides on the outside of the clutch and obviously inside the clutch drum. Yes to cleaning and greasing it, though.

 

So guys, what you"re saying is "iffin hit ain't broke ain't no need ta fixin' hit!"

Since the drum can easily be removed and cleaned and the bearings lightly lubed, there isn't a need to remove and clean under the clutch assembly until there is a reason to repair or replace the assembly. Would that be a correct assumption?

 

I take mine off once or twice a year, just to clean under them.

 

Yes. Unless there’s an issue with the oiler, any material can be blown out with compressed air a few times per year. I check the pto and brake system when it’s time to scrape out the bar channel, replace the chain, or after heavy use. If your chain is spinning at idle rpms, the clutch springs may need to be serviced/replaced. Even then, you may not need to remove the clutch.

The plastic dust/brake cover can easily be removed, too.

 

Yup, no point in taking it off. The dirt gets under it almost immediately anyway so no point.

 

So I'm convinced, leave well enough alone! Thanks team!