Old BS starter clutch removal

oratio · Dec 13, 2019

I have an old 12 hp B&S engine (model 281707, type 0163-02) on a ride on mower.The pull starter clutch had locked up. I've found info online on how they work, but they generally seem to have a flip off cover to expose the mechanism, where mine doesn't. I have managed to get some oil in the lube whole which has in seized it, but it's still quite heavy to turn. Two questions please:
How do I remove the clutch assembly?
While that give me the access I want?
Thanks brains trust.
Ron

Bob · Dec 14, 2019

The recoil start clutch mechanism serves as the "nut" that retains the flywheel to the crankshaft and can be unscrewed (conventional thread direction) using a special Briggs and Scrapiron tool, or a "Channel Lock pliers", while holding the flywheel stationary.

On the other hand, you are on the right track to loosen it up by applying light oil as you've done, and give it some time to work and loosen up.

Or, you can pry the stamped steel cover off of the aluminum body, then wiggle and loosen and lift the "square" steel center part off of the crankshaft, clean and lightly lube it, and replace.

oratio · Dec 14, 2019

Thanks for your reply and info. I hadn't been able to find where the cap met the clutch body; such a close fit I thought it was all one! I finally found the edge of the cap with a sharp wood chisel and a small hammer. Glad I didn't have to remove the assembly as you've described. I'd have been nervous applying a tool to that cast part; it hasn't been disturbed in 30 years! Anyhow, as I see now, the right approach is taking the cap off. All serviced and sweet again. My thanks once more.

Richard G. · Dec 14, 2019

My wood splitter engine had a problem with the square part squealing when running.
I took it apart and cleaned it and asked a very old small engine mechanic how much oil to put in the hole.
He said about a half a drop once and a while.
Richard in NW SC

oratio · Dec 14, 2019

I would say that my problem was all in that square sleeve. It was gummed up and seized, which I would expect to happen to oil over time.

JDEM · Feb 26, 2020

It "locked up" or do you mean it was slipping? When they lock up, it has nothing to do with the clutch parts. It happens when the crankshaft end of the engine gets stuck to the clutch assembly from lack of lube. There is a small pin-hole on the end of the clutch that is supposed to get oiled once in awhile. When they start to get stuck, they squeal something awful, or growl, and eventually rip the starter-rope off when fully siezed.

oratio · Feb 26, 2020

(quoted from post at 09:09:56 02/27/20) It "locked up" or do you mean it was slipping? When they lock up, it has nothing to do with the clutch parts. It happens when the crankshaft end of the engine gets stuck to the clutch assembly from lack of lube. There is a small pin-hole on the end of the clutch that is supposed to get oiled once in awhile. When they start to get stuck, they squeal something awful, or growl, and eventually rip the starter-rope off when fully siezed.

I did solve this issue eventually. The steel balls were stuck so that the extended cord wouldn't move in or out. Finally found where the top cover pops off and it became an easy clean fix. Thanks for your response.

jeffcat · Mar 10, 2020

Another thing you can do is buy a new one. They unscrew same as a standard nut and bolt thread. Made of pot metal. Fixed plenty of them years ago. People leave their push mower out over the winter and everything jams up.

Old BS starter clutch removal

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