Ryobi Brush Cutter Clutch Wear Question

[Erich_870]

I have a Ryobi gas powered brush cutter, model RY30562, that has unusual wear pattern (in my opinion) on the clutch and drum. After running it pretty hard recently, it smelled like the clutch got pretty hot, so I removed the lower section.

Here's what I found:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y261/E ... 180596.jpg

Notice the black friction residue on the housing as well as the uneven width of wear pattern on the inside of the drum.

Should I replace the clutch and drum? Is there away to adjust the clutch to correct the uneven wear?

Thanks,

Erich

[Wildcat+]

It would be my guess that the brass/bronze bushing in the clutch drum is worn and might allow the unusual wear pattern on the inside of the drum. One other possibility would be for the c/s bearing to be worn and thus allow the c/s to turn eliptically but that would also cause the flywheel to rub against the coil laminations. I would suggest replacing only the clutch drum and see what happens.
Pat

[Erich_870]

It would be my guess that the brass/bronze bushing in the clutch drum is worn and might allow the unusual wear pattern on the inside of the drum. One other possibility would be for the c/s bearing to be worn and thus allow the c/s to turn elliptically but that would also cause the flywheel to rub against the coil laminations. I would suggest replacing only the clutch drum and see what happens.
Pat

Sounds like a plan. I'll see if I can feel any play between the clutch shaft and the drum this evening, but I have a feeling your right on the money. If the c/s bearing was warn, the clutch and the drum would still move together.

With the wear you can see, should I go ahead and replace the clutch too or do you think it still has life left in it?

Thanks,

Erich

[Wildcat+]

It has been my experience that clutch shoes don't normally wear out on stringtrimmers so, no, if it were me I would not replace the clutch.
Pat

[Erich_870]

That's what I needed to know! Thanks!

Erich

[norm]

A clearer picture of the clutch would help to see exactly what is causing the wear pattern on the housing, (nothing should be rubbing there). Has the unit been apart and a washer installed incorrectly?

[Erich_870]

Here's the best pic I have at the moment... Let me know if you need it from a different angle and I'll get one this evening.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y261/E ... 0597-2.jpg

I purchased the brush cutter used from a lady down the street, but I HIGHLY dought she cracked it open and she wouldn't have paid anyone to work on it. She did most of her trimming with a fleet of 5 seperate trimmers and brush cutters. She sold her place, so she was getting rid of her yard care fleet.

Erich

[norm]

I still can't tell from the picture, but whatever is causing that gouge to wear in the clutch shell like that should be obvious.

[smallen]

the drum is probably warped a little, may have been running it at lower rpm causing clutch to slip, getting it good and hot

[Erich_870]

the drum is probably warped a little, may have been running it at lower rpm causing clutch to slip, getting it good and hot

Hmmm, that could be. I'll see if I can measure a difference with my calipers. I did bog it down pretty good a couple times, so it may have been that instead of low RPM's

Erich