Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Stihl FS36 weed trimmer, torx screw driver, clutch assembly

Question
The pulley that holds the starter rope has broken. How do I remove the clutch to be able to replace the pulley? I have taken the bell housing off from around clutch, now I don't want to break something not knowing how to remove the clutch.
Thanks in Advance, Kent

It is a Stihl model FS36 unit.

Answer
Hello Kent:

Inside the Clutch Drum/Bell Nose (where the Trimmer Head Drive Cable/Shaft goes) is a Torx Head Screw that has to be Removed. This Torx Head Screw is Usually Removed with a Torx Screw Driver or 1/4" Torx Driver Set. To Loosen, this Screw is Turned the Same Driection the the Engine Turns. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hello Again Kent:

I Forgot about the Clutch Assembly itself. First; Take the Spark Plug and Go to the Hardware Store or Automotive Parts Supplier and Purchase a Bolt that is of the Same Diameter and Threads as the Spark Plug. Make Sure it is 3 to 4 Inches Long. Thread this Bolt Into the Spark Plug Hole and Carefully Tighten Until the Piston is Blocked and Will Not Move while you are Loosening the Clutch. You Turn the Clutch Clockwise (Usually) to Loosen. Some Units Use a Reverse Rotation; so Remember to Turn the Clutch Assembly the Same Direction that the Clutch Turns During Normal Operation. IE: If the Clutch Turns Clockwise, then the Clutch is Loosend and Removed by Turning it Clockwise and if the Engine Rotation is Counter Clockwise, the Clutch Assembly is Turned Counter Clockwise to Remove. Being Sure the Piston is Solid Against the Bolt in the Spark Plug Hole and Use a Shop Maul (a Regular Hammer May Work Also)and Chisel (Wear Safety Glasses also to Protect your Eyes) and Hit the Clutch Ear Sharply so as to Turn the Clutch Assembly and Loosen it. Heat is Not Required and Not Suggested. Some Clutch Assemblies have a Shallow Scoket Area that a Socket can be Used if you have an Impact Wrench. If you Use Heat to Remove the Clutch Assembly, then Replace the Clutch Assembly and the Sprocket. The Clutch Assembly is No Good After Heat is Applied to it. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John