I have an Echo CS346 that I am trying to switch out the clutch to put on a carving bar. First time I have tried this. I have the clutch removal piece from Baileys. But damn if I can get that thing off. First question, is it reverse threaded? I also have a piece of rope in thru the spark plug hole to hold the piston on whatever in place. That clutch tool, hooked to my socket wrench just keeps slipping off!

Can someone give me a pointer on how to do this before I throw that saw out the window from frustration!!!!

Thanks, Joe.

Joe,
Yes, it is a left handed thread and it sometimes needs a good sharp rap on the wrench to break it free.

....or an impact wrench/gun

hmmm impactor is worth a shot.

the problem is that the stupid tool keeps slipping off. anytime i apply pressues, slip! that includes trying to whack the wrench with a hammer. at first i was worried about this tool being the right one. but the plastic wrap it came it says echo 346 old style! it just loosely fits in there and the rounded edges keep slipping. guess i will keep messing around with it. it just doesn't seem right though!

Dont toss it..unless its bad.....if not ..mail it to me..I love them lil 345/346 saws...
Brian

A good vise grip torqued down good and tight... and then smack that with a hammer....

re: vise grip... maybe i need to take a picture. i can't see how that would work!

Hi Joe
Call me 605-461-3010 and I will tell you how to do it. Thanks Jeff

okay so here is a picture. i just want to make sure i have the right parts. the 3 prong clutch tool fits in between the 3-legged clutch thing, right? Notice how the tool prongs are rounded. this SOB keeps slipping off. Am i doing this correctly with the right parts?!? PS: Hopefully this image gets uploaded correctly...

It only takes a slight turn to break it loose. Once it breaks free you can spin the clutch right off with your fingers with very litte resistance. It just needs to be broken free. Try to figure a way to get a good sharp blow in the correct direction to the clutch tool . Even if it means letting the clutch tool jump out of place a few times and trying again. It just needs that sharp rap (or maybe several). It's not like a locknut, once it's loose you'll know it. The clutch should break free before anything else breaks if you have the clutch tool aligned right and you haul off and whack it a good one. Myself, I use a pneumatic impact wrench and it only takes a couple impacts from it to do the job.

what do you recommend to shove into the cylinder to prevent it from moving?

Joe, My clutch tool was set up for a 3/8 ratchet, or what ever that common size is.. I got mine from Baileys too and it worked.. I did the rope trick and had good luck I guess..It wasn't exactally easy , but I got it off..

Good Luck, T

maybe my tool had a socket adapter..Use the rope and the rachet..

T

take your scrench ,or big flathead against one of the three flat sides of center of clutch,give it a sharp hit in a clockwise position.this always works for me even after i forget and tighten it the 1st try.good luck

Ed Meyer did it with a board with 3 nails pounded thru it!!!! Put a dowel in the cylinder hole to stop it. Keep it simple! Doc

i got a screw in piston stop, doc is right a dowel or even rope will stop piston. vise grips on clutch tool is not right its made for either a ratchet or socket. lay saw where clutch is up with piston stopped and turn it counter clockwise

Just to make sure were all on the same page. Left hand thread means turn it CLOCKWISE to loosen.

that's right joe

Well I finally got it this past weekend. Lets hope I tightened it good enough. Now I just gotta try her out!