How to EASILY and QUICKLY replace the clutch on a Stihl Brush Cutter Trimmer or Stihl Pole Saw

Does your Stihl Brush Cutter Trimmer or Pole Saw's power head not spin or stays engaged spinning all the time? One of the MOST COMMON problems I see with these Stihl units that come into the shop is a bad clutch. Today we go over how to diagnose, what you will need for repair and how to fix it all by yourself to save you time, money and frustration in the future!
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@MrBjseales]

As a Stihl gold factory certified technician, why can't Stihl put some grease on the clutch shoe pivot bushings. That's what I do with this repair. Once again she made a great video that was spot on. Outstanding!

[@onthelake9554]

Because grease inside a clutch is not a good idea. They should be made from self lubricating material bushings but stihl and what she used to be.

[@philliphall5198]

I still put a tad of grease in it, never had a problem and it stops the ideal noise 😊

[@grassblade2]

Maybe Neverseez VERY sparingly? But I thought, Lard in a Frictionally Type Thing? Hmmmm...🤔

[@edensgardenshed9622]

Why does she use the piston stop and plug removal? Because i just pull the three bolts near the clutch and head comes apart separate from the shaft side. Easy and i cannot figure out why she does the extra steps?

[@pedrouvalle9706]

I like how she shows what’s wrong with it fix’s it then so it working

[@harryerhart5978]

Finally a clutch video nice you can't leave a Stihl outside in the rain the clutch pins seize up maybe sell the customer a engine cover that stop my clutch problem thanks nice video

[@DavePawson]

Good camera work, good lighting, clear description, clear 'warnings'. Thank you.

[@mrseniorray]

Just want to say a big thank you for your videos. Enjoy everyone.

[@daveshannon6027]

There are good and bad videos. This one is superb. I might add two notes of caution however. When you crack the clutch housing away from the trimmer and later put it back together, be sure the end of the throttle cable fits into the black plastic housing intended for it. Otherwise the cable will be prone to jump off the guide pulley channel to the carb. This happened to me and made the engine Hi/Lo speed adjustments problematic. Also, be sure to slip the tiny blue and black wires back into the tiny guide-slot that houses them, otherwise the wires might get cut by the orange engine housing. A picture would be much easier, but I'm limited to words - I don't know how to attach pictures to the comments. Apart from that, thanks; best descriptive video I've seen yet!

[@peterzenner2020]

I just appreciate your efficiency in making repairs. I'm always forgetting or misplacing tools, looking for screws, forgetting how linkages are supposed to go, etc. Nice to watch professionals.

[@dkupy100]

Ah yes. The miracles of video editing.

[@ronzek3207]

Take picture of work before disassembly, helps a lot..

[@georgemartinezjr]

What lubricant did you use

[@lcj9564]

You showed what was wrong. And step by step on how to change that clutch 👍🏾👊🏾🇺🇲.

[@robertdavey319]

I think I'm falling in love with this chick. So great to watch these videos

[@AnwarKhan-dw8cj]

chic I usualy put a slight layer of loctite antiseize on the od of the bushings ,I had many came in with bushings locked up

[@gayadams1276]

My husband and start watching a few days ago! We love your channel!

[@kurthaase3708]

Thanks for all ur information, I’m retired and took a part time job at a local golf course working on their equipment and u have become my go to source for repairs on the Stihl equipment we are using. Thanks Kurt

[@billydankert1764]

This is better than going to update classes !!!! Thank you !

[@glynnpaschall7975]

Love your videos!!..I watch on my large TV so all I can do is "like" , therefore in order to comment, use my computer or mobile phone. Thanks for the well done ,step by step telling what YOU are doing, but why.. Thanks. Again wish I could have gotten demos like you do when I was younger (am 86yrs young) and worked on my equipment!!!!!Love you!

[@terrywilson1693]

Thank I like it that you give us the part numbers when you do the repair

[@brianking1138]

Your videos are always easy to follow and straight to the point.

[@lochabergardenservices6912]

Great video as usual. I had this problem on my Stihl FS111. Replaced clutch after checking shaft, as you showed us in video. However still didn't spin! My son (a car mechanic) looked at it and took the shaft out and put it the other way round. This was the problem. Shaft was only worn at the clutch end. Still I have a new clutch and shaft now!

[@paynecharlie]

Need to replace my clutch on Stihl HT101. Your video is a great help. You explained the procedure in a very concise and understandable manner! Thank you very much!!!

[@ericb6481]

Thanks for creating this video from 🇦🇺

[@oldmanfred8676]

One of the Best KZbin girls! We Love you Chickanic!

[@Chickanic]

Aw! Thanks again Fred!

[@oldmanfred8676]

@@Chickanic, Such a good public speaker and the Heart ♥️ of a Teacher!

[@MarkSWilliams27]

Informative, well explained. Another good video from you. Thanks! I like to watch these sort of things even though I am not having the problem at the moment. But when it does happen I can at least recall what sort of needs to be done. And how difficult or not the repair will be. And then - will look up your video again. Excellent!

[@kmack8634]

Hello Chick ☺️ every time I watch your channel I learn something new just wonderful by the way I love Echo I have an Echo chain saw excellent also my trimmer we call them whipper snippets in Aussie is a Stihl76 had it 25 years very little trouble great tool love your channel keep it up

[@leephoenix4041]

Love this channel. I have learned so much. Thanks Chickanic. 👍

[@ernieclark9211]

Great info. I have one that continues turn at idle, adjusted carburetor to prevent, can't go any lower on idle, stuck in engagement. Cleaned and wire brushed. Going to replace with new, bushings and plates. They like the machine, so going to make it right. Again thanks, using you as a resource.

[@sandy7299]

Thankyou for that, just been given one to sort with the clutch absolutely solid!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

It is so nice to turn around and grab the parts that you need. Very good video. Thanks.

[@dethbob1]

Love the gloves - true Chickanick style

[@Chickanic]

These are my cleaning and "have to touch a Stihl backpack blower" gloves. When a Stihl product is left outside in the sun, the fiberglass it is made with will give you pokeys everywhere it touches your skin. I HATE POKIES!!! LOL!

[@Sensei948]

@@Chickanic Friend, the revolutions 13200 max for the saw 372xp oe 2003 are okay?

[@orsonorton1528]

I enjoy your videos.....and they have solved some of my small engine issues. Great stuff, keep it up!

[@timw6281]

Add some anti-seize to the clutch bushing surfaces to help protect the surface from rusting again.

[@davidmorse8432]

This was going to be my comment too. The clearance between the bushing and the clutch is very small and just a little rust will seize the clutch levers to the pivot. Anti- seize helps control the rust and the clutch will last much longer and function properly. Good call!

[@radishpea6615]

Great video, made it look easy. My concern is anyone using a cordless "screwdriver" be careful not to over tighten the screws as the are going into aluminium and may strip the thread. Same for tightening the spark plug.

[@set3777]

Better to buy a cordless Torque Screwdrivers that has Calibration Certificate of the actual torque in each setting.

[@kevfirey7799]

brilliant Chickaniic thanks, did repair as instructed ,Works great .

[@davidmorse8432]

The problem with string trimmers is that they sometimes sit idle for months during the winter. During this time rust attacks the clutch and gas turns into turpentine. So drain out the gas and spray some Kroil on the clutch during this time. Also remember to get some grease in the gearbox down by the trimmer head.

[@davidmorse8432]

@Tommy Ealey That's why you should only use non ethanol gas in any small engine.

[@davidg8032]

And still use a fuel stabilizer. @@davidmorse8432

[@jeffreykreft5442]

Awesome! Thanks for posting! Chickanic is the best on KZbin!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@El-sm9gr]

Great video Chickanic. I think my FS130 needs a new clutch, opposite problem it won't stop spinning even though I've adjusted the idle. Thanks again.

[@Fentertainment]

@chickanic How many clutch assemblies can one expect to replace in a single year after 6 years. My residential FS56RC is on its second one this year as of today.

[@dave434]

OK, Now after watching you do this one, I think I can put a new clutch on this fs250 & get it back up and going! Thank You!

[@Tim_othy87]

great video - clear and precise...now I'm a new subscriber...all the way from SW France , cheers

[@joeortiz3455]

Howdy !WONDERFUL PERSON! it's good to spend a Sunday eve with a friend!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Joe!

[@clarkelliott5389]

Geat step by step explanation! Thanks so much!

[@ronzek3207]

You put a new plug in without checking the gap, a no no, box might have been bumped/dropped causing gap to close up which could cause starting/ running problems. Good job on clutch repair.

[@thomascunningham6527]

And if you have to replace the clutch drum? I have a KM-131R and the drum and driveshaft needed replaced. Driveshaft is a piece of cake, but the drum has a "C" clip 'way down a hole, my snap ring pliers can't get in there - so I'm shopping for a set of "needle nose" snap ring pliers... though I might check with you to see if I'm missing something. Thanks, these are great videos! You helped me fix the valve lash/timing on this machine and no it starts like a breeze!

[@robertstewart-g9p]

I enjoy your show i have learned so many things

[@stellarproductions8888]

When the clutch won't clutch, it really is a crutch, and makes your difficult day all too much. But with your stellar skills, you managed to fix it, and now the weed wacker grass kicker, lives another day, for some young whipper snapper, to trim the yard.

[@davidmorse8432]

You are a poet!

[@stellarproductions8888]

@@davidmorse8432 Thanks, and you are pretty stellar for saying so!

[@chisel83]

Good morning from Adelaide south Australia. Very informative video.

[@dudekanic]

Awesome! My sister has lived in Adelaide for 8 years.

[@chisel83]

@@dudekanic I remember you told me on a live chat a few weeks ago. My wife is from Texas👍

[@tweakerkid]

Most excellent tutorial, cheers

[@750coda]

Thank you 👍 helped me out with my old machine

[@jonhouck7254]

I have s stihl fs130r 7 year old just now needing a clutch it been used very hard can’t complain at all

[@mikevandehey402]

So glad she's wearing safety glasses!

[@Vic7075]

I have a suggestion like how about putting the tool numbers / part numbers on the items mentioned with links where to purchase them when you mention the items in your videos.

[@robertallen3133]

Really enjoy all your videos. Thank you !

[@ldr9146]

Good job explaining

[@havocsquad1]

I appreciate the haircut offer on 11:55 in the video, but mine's fairly well trimmed short already.

[@jeffmonroe9766]

Keep these great informative videos coming !!! Always learn something great instructor easy to follow doesn't miss a trick.

[@rickthelian2215]

This was introduced to watch as I’m a Stihl user😀 Was going to ask diagnosing clutch vs gearbox? You answered by twisting the shaft turning the head. Rusty perhaps in rainy weather Feel confident to do that job now, if I had to, thanks Chickanic 😀 Try to upsell a Shihl Strap...😀 When is next live? Have a nice day everyone...

[@Chickanic]

Hey Rick! We have been doing lives every other Sunday. See ya there!

[@randi740]

Great job Girl!

[@UpperChesapeakeBaySkiRiders]

Will I need a piston stop for this job? Great video.

[@robcole332]

Another great video lady

[@Chickanic]

Thanks again!

[@ccadama]

@Chickanic. Thanks Brie for another great repair video. Now I know of another toll I need. The piston stop. I meant to remove the bolts holding the blades on my mower and accidentally removed the bolt that holds the blade holder to the shaft. The piston stop looks like a better and safer way to go to make sure the bolt for the blade holder is properly tightened. Hope you and your family stay safe and well.

[@PinBall3]

Just use a well placed 2" x 4" piece of lumber through the discharge chute / mower deck to wedge the blade from moving is all i use to hold the blade stationary then cinch the blade bolt down to proper torque Just remember to leave the coil plug boot/ wire off the spark plug before you work on it.

[@onthelake9554]

Piston stops ruin engines when not used properly , not for changing blades ever.

[@ccadama]

@@onthelake9554 Thanks for the warning. I didn't know that I shouldn't use a piston stop for keeping the flywheel from moving as I try to tighten the blade holder back on the shaft. I accidentally loosend that bolt instead of the 2 bolts holding the blades on the blade holder. What would you suggest I use to keep the flywheel or shaft from moving while I tighten that holder bolt? Thank you.

[@onthelake9554]

@@ccadama Use rope in the cylinder if you must lock it up .

[@PinBall3]

@@onthelake9554 Exactly

[@stevenkelly8561]

I've got to prep mine for a long sit.

[@billbaber6653]

Thanks chick, for entertains ole man.

[@johnclarke6647]

I would pull the shaft out and clean and grease it while I had the shaft apart. The shaft is probably filthy and the grease hardened. I lube them back with high temp wheel bearing grease and coat the shaft pretty liberally after sanding off any burrs from it with wet or dry sandpaper. I wet sand it to a perfect sheen. I would also clean the sprocket interior with break cleaner and a clean shop towel.

[@kiteslights7189]

I have seen the drive shafts strip out on those if they are used under heavy load

[@drholt2]

Great video! I assume you checked/set the gap on the new spark plug??

[@wlsteffen]

Very good video! The volume wasn’t loud enough to hear you. I can’t hear well but not many videos that I can’t hear. Thank you for the video!

[@parrishdix0n561]

Love your videos

[@jammer_6245]

Another job well done...thanks for the DIY video !!!!

[@jamessmith7691]

I have an fs 75 with a curved shaft. the long plastic bushing is waffled and they say not available at the dealer. Any ideas ? Great video.

[@haneyoakie14]

Catching up. Good video. Thank you

[@seanrhone5306]

What was the fluid used to clean the rust?

[@27122427]

Thank you so much

[@rickthelian2215]

Chickanic depends which head😀😀😀

[@ProSaw70]

Another logical & informative video. Thank you.

[@jefferysmith5280]

Great video chik

[@dewarner12]

This video was really helpful. Where did you get your piston stop? Thanks -

[@sixosixo]

Another really great and helpful video, Chickanic! One question, what did you use to clean the rust?

[@madpogue]

+1; I was wondering the same thing. I've just started using Evapo-rust, and with mixed results.

[@jamesharless5357]

Nice job, another great video!👍🏻

[@manomoa5043]

Mostly happens with 4mix engines, usually the spring breaks and it's because they can't keep a steady rev like 2 stroke. One way or another if you're using a 4mix for edging lawns etc you're going to have clutch issues eventually. I use to carry spare springs and change them on the job. Once you have done it a few times it's fast. I mostly certainly don't remove the shaft as it's time consuming. Just remove the shaft and housing together. If you use the 4mix like the fs 130 I have for section clearing only then your usually running it at full bore so no clutch issues.

[@jimanders6666]

thanks

[@jamesculp3622]

Thank you for your helpful informative videos. Do you need to lubricate the shaft on the FS111, or just the gearbox?

[@ss-hm6cg]

Great vids and subed :) Quick question about the wave washers - in the video it appears that the outside curved face of the washer rests against the plate and the inside curved face rests against the clutch itself - correct?

[@jimandshaaroncoleman9404]

Is there a bushing or bearing in the clutch that needs grease once in while? Like the little needle bearing in a chainsaw clutch. Is it easy to lube it at the same time as clutch replacement?

[@tedvancour8470]

Pretty smart young lady 👍👍👍

[@mikejerrett7354]

Great video as always 👍, I like your drill I might invest in one 😉

[@Chickanic]

I don't know how I ever worked without one! LOVE it!

[@mikejerrett7354]

@@Chickanic yes it's a nice one 👍

[@dkupy100]

It's a 1/4" cordless impact wrench. Different from a regular drill. It's the greatest invention since high button shoes.

[@mikejerrett7354]

@@dkupy100 sounds good 👍

[@brianworley7705]

Speaking from experience, I work in a woodworking/cabinet shop. There is more than one model of just the DeWalt impact driver let alone other manufacturers. Our shop has 3 different versions. The big box stores don't typically carry more than 2 and sometimes only the bottom homeowner version with less than stellar speed control and response. Fastener tighten is critical in cabinets and the least expensive impact driver model is tough to get it right. The top model has a switch just above the battery connection with 3 settings. Does well for different conditions from light screws needing really no impact on #1 to long lag bolt on #3. The boss has this model. Maybe someday mine will wear out and get upgraded. 😉

[@Obsid_Ian]

Can you tell me what you used to clean the rust off the housing.

[@thardyryll]

There is no real need to use a solvent like she did. Light rust like that shown responds well to wire brushing or sanding with emery cloth. A brass mini wire brush in a Dremel tool is excellent for tight places, although the brushes wear fast. Aerosol brake cleaner, a fast-evaporating solvent that leaves no residue, works well for cleaning dust and any other residue.

[@timw6281]

if you buy an old style oil filter wrench set at the wide setting it holds the flywheel fins in 3 pionts to allow you to remove and install clutches with ease...id add a photo to demonstrate but can't...

[@1d1hamby]

Great job making it all look so easy. Am I confused or did you forget the third screw in the bottom of the clutch housing?

[@grahamgodden6574]

Great video thanks - do I need the piston stop (not part of my tool kit) ? Looks like the clutch could be removed just by stopping it spinning while unscrewing

[@michaelpatton5012]

Hello where can you get those bushing from

[@fergusonto-2032]

I have a friend who has a Troybilt riding mower , when the blades are engaged after just a few seconds it blows the fuse , any idea what problem is ? Thanks for another great video .

[@delseckora5327]

Awesome job

[@grassblade2]

I now have enough of a pair to roll around the floor with my Mak which has been naughty with her clutch. As a bonus I've stopped growling at her too....Not too many hours up and we have dead parts😡...? So... Thanks to you and the other postings on here I now see this is a service item and I just need to manup about it...😎 Mucho Gracias!

[@philliphall5198]

What about beed blasting the old clutch? Remove the rust and drum😊

[@rickeyrobbins7656]

I have do that all so work good now thank

[@hosocat1410]

Could i ask where you find your long shank torx that fits into your impact driver? Thanks for your vids!

[@ronniebarker79]

Quick question chickanic i purchased a rotorvator attachment saw a vid it can be used on a strimmer but the strimmer i had didnt have 9 spile drive shaft to work with this was 3 years ago 🤣🤣 still sat there in the box it came in needs gone or finshed can u help

[@ryanbruner8928]

Great info to know!

[@robertfeddeler5508]

I have a fs56rs Stihl trimmer. Do I have to worry about the clutch on it. Every year I have 5 acres of property to trim down. It has anywhere from first size rocks to one's that weight several 100lbs so a mower wouldn't last 20 seconds and there's no way I could ever buy 1 of the line mowers. Also, how hard would it be to convert it to the handle bar version? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[@cadfael4598]

Thanks for this. I thought I had a clutch problem on my weed eater but now I’m not so sure. When I run the machine, the head spins but as soon as I apply the head to the weeds the head just stops. Any idea deals what the problem might be?

[@omadathmarajh6643]

Nice video, I am looking for a cam gear for a fs100 can you advise me where I can get one too buy,?,it's not available in my country