starter sprag-clutch

modelman · Post by **modelman** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 1:21 am

The wheels are built, the frame & sus built, all engine cases returned from the blasters & the crank & gearbox rebuilt, & now have a 'running chassis.

Upon stripping the starter sprag-clutch, I noticed that one of the 3 spring loaded pins that apply pressure to the sprag-rollers was siezed in its bore, the clutch assy has been removed but no amount of 'tapping' or applying penetrating fluid will release it.
So, the thin steel outer housing needs to be removed to gain access to the pin-bore to allow its removal, but this case is some sort of 'press-fit' around the core, its dos'nt appear to be bonded or welded, but all my attempts to remove it have failed, & being so thin, its all too easy to damage it.
The assembly is clean with no corrosion etc.
Anyone had this cover off?? If so,, HOW!!

modelman · Post by **modelman** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 3:53 pm

So it looks like no-ones had one apart then, no worries, I actually managed it, made a collar the same dia as the core, then drifted it out of the cover, & found the reason its very tight is that its actually peened over the core thus keeping it in place, however, once the cover was off, I found each pin-bore has a interference -fit end plug that had to be punched out first!!
Once the plug was out, I merely touched the pin & it popped out, it hadn't seized, simply stuck, but you couldn't get to it!!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n9mhlmpq37s0g ... h.jpg?dl=0

Seadog · Post by **Seadog** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 4:41 pm

Good job. How did you punch out the end caps/plugs?

modelman · Post by **modelman** » Thu Jun 14, 2018 1:18 am

There was no way I could push the plugs out from the 'pin' end, so I had no choice but to punch them inwards with the possibility of screwing it up big time, but luckily the plug went easily through & brought the pin & spring with it, once out, I could find nothing wrong, very clean, put it back together & it was fine, the plug was still tight in the bore, but the round cover-shield ensures it doesn't all fly apart!!

modelman · Post by **modelman** » Thu Jun 14, 2018 1:18 am

There was no way I could push the plugs out from the 'pin' end, so I had no choice but to punch them inwards with the possibility of screwing it up big time, but luckily the plug went easily through & brought the pin & spring with it, once out, I could find nothing wrong, very clean, put it back together & it was fine, the plug was still tight in the bore, but the round cover-shield ensures it doesn't all fly apart!!

Seadog · Post by **Seadog** » Sat Jul 28, 2018 12:01 pm

I've been trying to save the stator and rotor from a found engine and had the same issue with the starter clutch caps being stuck in the starter clutch outer assembly. I removed the crimped on cover, but was not able to remove the plugs. Photo below. I ended up drilling the caps in order to hook something in them. Just drilling loosened them and I was able to remove them with the drill bit. Whether this stator & rotor is salvageable is still unknown.

modelman · Post by **modelman** » Sat Jul 28, 2018 1:19 pm

Its the same as mine, they would have punched straight through!!

Also, since you drilled them out, whats keeping the springs in place, do they go into the drilled hole??