OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Rover 45 clutch thrust bearing problem?

hi all, cleaned up & re-assembled my Rover 45 on the weekend & ran it for a few moments only to hear a screeching noise when I engage the primary clutch lever. I am thinking it may be the thrust bearing inside the clutch housing as the noise dissapears when I disengage the lever. Should the bearing be greased or lubricated & if so how as it appears sealed to a degree? The inner sleeve that actually sits around the engine shaft seems quite loose. Unsure if this is meant to be this way?
Any assistance is appreciated
cheers Ross

Hi Ross,

Just wondering if you have forgotten to place the piece of Key steel on the engine shaft prior to fitting the clutch body and that the shaft is spinning around inside as load is placed on the engine due to the cutter power train being used.

Just a thought.

Cheers,
BB

Hi BB, yes definitely in there, and quite a snug fit at that so I am a little perplexed at present

cheers Ross

Hi Ross,

The thrust bearings I always lubricate as every single one is dry as a bone. One thing is you only want minimal lube as you don't want the oil finding its way out onto the cork. I'm just wondering if the screeching may be coming from the recoil starter, out of interest what engine are you running ?

Cheers,
BB.

thanks BB, have a B&S 3.5 hp 91202. Im no mechanic but would have thought the bearing would be a standard sealed bearing. Anyway, obviously must be a reason they went with the thrust type. Recoil starter- do you mean something rubbing against the inside of the cover where the starter cord retracts?
thanks Ross

Hi Ross, I agree with BB on greasing the thrust bearing, I just force some through with my thumb....no probs with the lube getting onto the clutch cork...it would have to travel all around the inside of the clutch cone and then up onto the top surface...the thrust bearings aren't sealed, and BB is right, they are bone dry when you receive 'em.

The screech BB is talking about comes from the inside of the recoil ratchet assembly of the square drive dog on the engine flywheel. You have to remove the whole engine air cowling to see it. Do not attempt to oil it...there is a set procedure for servicing it.

thanks Deejay will give it a go & let you know how I get on. What about the spring? Would it need a little grease? Assume it moves horizontally along the shaft.

cheers Ross