AC Clutch Bolt - what socket? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

rgoers · 01-28-2006, 08:51 PM

I got my replacement clutch all rebuilt...

I went to take the old clutch off, and what did my wondering eyes see??? Is that a proprietary bolt in there? Where do I get a socket to fit the clutch bolt? (and don't say "dealer")

Is it a standard 12-point deep socket??? Could it be that simple?

**smallengineguy** · 01-28-2006, 09:42 PM

rgoers · 01-28-2006, 10:28 PM

Thanks SEG! I'll have to get a deep-well. My socket set is too short. (no wise cracks...)

DitchPickle · 01-29-2006, 11:29 AM

Deep 12 pt 1/2" should do the trick.

rgoers · 01-29-2006, 05:59 PM

Thanks again... I went to 3 auto parts stores today. No luck. First 2 didn't have one, and the third was closed. I'll try again tomorrow.

**smallengineguy** · 01-29-2006, 06:01 PM

Sears has them.

DitchPickle · 01-29-2006, 08:19 PM

A shallow socket will work as well.

rgoers · 01-29-2006, 10:10 PM

Yeah, I was thinking Sears myself.

I have short sockets, but they are 1/2" drive, and the drive end is fatter on the smaller sizes. I can't get mine in there, bcause of the flare at the drive end. I have to either get a short 3/8 drive, or preferably; a deep-well 1/2 drive socket. That way I can use my 1/2 breaker bar if the need arises.

BTW - I have seen some say to take an air gun to it, and others say *don't* use an air gun. I would think that an air gun would be easier on the clutch. You could hold it by hand, without having to wedge something in there to hold it still. Any comments?

**RJ Gleason** · 01-30-2006, 11:17 AM

Air gun is fine for removal, but you need a torque wrench to install (55 ft/lbs) and be sure it is on straight before tightening. Use some neverseize ( a thin film) on the stub and set the clutch on and turn it to be sure that it has no wobble before tightening.

rgoers · 01-30-2006, 11:00 PM

Never-seize... ???

Here I was thinking the exact opposite. I hit both tapered surfaces with 600 grit paper, then cleaned it with brake cleaner. Then (here's where it gets bad) I spread a thin film of RED LOCK-TITE on the taper, and put some on the bolt as well, and tightened it all down. There's no wobble, but I'll probably never get it off again either.

Guess I should have checked the forum BEFORE heading out to the garage to work on it!

BTW, the grease trick worked to get the thing off. I initially only put a small amount of grease on the threads and the tip. The thing twisted up like a cork screw. It's unbelieveable! I straightened it out in the vise, and then squirted the hole full of grease before trying again. This time, it twisted the end of the puller too, but it finally popped off.

**smallengineguy** · 01-31-2006, 06:47 AM

I wouldn't do EITHER to it. Put it together dry. You'll probably never get it off, now. Although with never seize, it can start turning on the shaft and wear it out.

**RJ Gleason** · 01-31-2006, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by smallengineguy
I wouldn't do EITHER to it. Put it together dry. You'll probably never get it off, now. Although with never seize, it can start turning on the shaft and wear it out.

Seg, all the manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers recomend that you use a thin film of neverseize to prevent corrosion and to allow the easier removal of the clutch. And by a thin film, I mean almost transparent.

**smallengineguy** · 01-31-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RJ Gleason
Seg, all the manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers recomend that you use a thin film of neverseize to prevent corrosion and to allow the easier removal of the clutch. And by a thin film, I mean almost transparent.

Done that...

Torqued it to spec 60 ft lbs, then it started slipping on the shaft and ground it down. Was told neverseize was the culprit....Don't know....

rgoers · 01-31-2006, 08:55 PM

Well... I DO have the service manual. Maybe I should have actually READ it.

It says to make sure you wipe it clean of any oil film or dirt. Nope, doesn't say to put never-seize in there, nor does it say to use Lock-tite. Doh!!???

I guess I'll try to pull it while the Lock-tite is still relatively fresh and clean the shaft. Can't be any worse than getting the thing off the first time...

This *was* a brand new, never used, Parts Unlimited puller before I pulled the clutch last night.

**RJ Gleason** · 02-01-2006, 02:45 PM

"Toasted" $12 dollar puller!