Concept2 Forum

I took the model B flywheel to a local machine shop.
They pressed out the old clutch for $20 and put in the new one.

I didn't do anything else to the clutch.

By the way I'd done at least 24 million meters with that clutch in the flywheel.

If I'm remembering correctly from C2, the main reason the clutch gives out is due to dirt.
I believe they said if the clutch is cleaned out then it will again function properly.
However, they recommended replacing it anyway.

I think maybe it is lubed already but don't recall about that.

New clutch and bearing units are lubricated at the factory and require no additional lubing. Before going to the trouble of replacing a clutch I'd suggest flushing it out with some WD-40 or similar solvent, drying it out and lubing it with some lightweight grease. Over time grease can thicken, causing erratic engagement of the clutch. C2JonW

Well, that's great. The only thing I would have done differently would be wiping a fingerfull of light grease into the clutch rollers rather than a couple of drops of oil. C2JonW

This may be a stupid question but since I've never taken apart the flywheel/cage on my 'B' where is the clutch located. Is this a separate part from the axle and sprockets that can be bought from a local bearing shop and replaced? How much does one cost?

There are no stupid questions- the clutch resides in the flywheel hub with some supporting bearings. You might be able to buy one at a bearing store though you'd probably have to order it. We sell the clutch unit for the B, C, D & E for about six dollars (C2 part #293), but it's not a simple part to replace due to the precision of the part and the press fit required. Over the years the clutch unit has proven to be highly reliable and usually worth trying to clean and lube before replacing. C2JonW

This perhaps should be posted under a new topic, but it seems to be a clutch issue. I just installed the Quiet kit on my Model C. I immediately noticed a soft scraping sound when the fan is spinning. I don't remember the sound being there before the upgrade. It is not loud enough to hear when rowing at a normal rate. The sound completely stops when I gently pull back on handle (engaging the clutch). The sound gets faster when the handle returns to the catch. Is this a clutch issue? Should I clean the clutch? Is this something anyone else has experienced?

Is this simply a case of removing the flywheel, cleaning the surface of the roller bearing and regreasing?