[Rob_C]

Hey Fellas,

Trying to remove the drive/primary clutch from an FE290 and it's more than stuck tight. 7/16AF bolt with 5/16" high tensile rod inside.

Things I have tried so far.
1-Hit it with the rattle gun.
2-Hit it a bit more with the gun.
3-A couple of hard hits on the bolt head with a large hammer.
4-Judicious use of heat at the hub, succeeded in removing the outer portion of the clutch so disassembled the rest of it leaving only the main clutch shaft.
5- Heat again down near where the crank taper is and rap on the 7/16 bolt head.
6-One last hit with the rattle gun.

At this point I'm sure the 5/16" HT bolt has buckled, it sure won't come back out. I have some concern for the crank thread but will cross that bridge when I come to it.

I'd like to put a stick welder electrode in there and zap it to the 5/16 rod to try and remove it but I'm worried about the thread in the clutch hub.

If anyone has a hint on what to try next, I'd appreciate hearing from you. The clutch hub is apparently no longer available or I'd consider the destructive method of removal.

Thanks in advance,
Rob