Model B Flywheel alignment

[Richard Mint]

I bought a model B rowing machine about 2 years ago as a restoration project. (the flywheel clutch was slipping and the PM was playing up)

I bought the sprocket tool set and removed the flywheel and shaft from the cage and then removed the flywheel shaft.
I cleaned up a buildup of rust on the shaft with some emery paper and lots of WD40 and then cleaned and lubricated the clutch bearing and re inserted the shaft. The slipping clutch is no more and it now works perfectly.

When I re assembled the flywheel cage I noticed the chain return was a bit sluggish so I stripped down the skewer and replaced the shock cord. The chain return is now much more positive but the problem I have is the the chain now rubs on the left hand side of the flywheel cage entry slot and has started to wear the plastic hole surround. If I'm honest I don't know if there was any clearance before I stripped the flywheel and skewer down as I hadn't used the rower much because of the slipping clutch putting me on my back!

Any Ideas or do I just have the "re shape" the flywheel cage with a long screw driver to get it to fit?

[Cyclist2]

Just looked at my model B. With the chain on the small sprocket, the clearance is pretty small but still not rubbing. It sounds like you're pretty good with this mechanical stuff, so I'd suggest you recheck your reassembly to make sure you got the parts back on the way they came off (assuming there was no clearance problem before). You shouldn't have to bend the cage to solve the problem.

[Carl Watts]

Just taking a guess as I have never worked on a Model B, but is the chain sprocket symmetrical ?

If its offset, it will have to go on one way only.

Sounds like the shaft has shifted over somehow, shouldn't be to hard to figure out why.

[Richard Mint]

When I started to strip the flywheel cage down I found the problem straight away.
When I re assembled the cage I'd managed to get one of the hook over onto the second wire circle instead of the first.
I went round and checked all of the clips and it was the only one, It did have to be the one right next to the chain.

Thank you for your input.

Minty

6'3" 400lb Retired Power Worker

[kwinslow72]

What is the best way to remove the flywheel shaft in order to lube the clutch? Mine slips too and I need to get it resolved. Thanks!