Replacing rollers in primary clutch in G-16

[cwheat]

Hello,
Have read in several posts that the rollers can be replaced without removing the clutch assembly from the engine. I have a new set of rollers but cannot see how to get them out. Is the spider supposed to slip out of the guides after the main bolt is removed. If so mine is very tight. Any guidance will be much appreciated.

[smallblock450sl]

Originally Posted by cwheat

Hello,
Have read in several posts that the rollers can be replaced without removing the clutch assembly from the engine. I have a new set of rollers but cannot see how to get them out. Is the spider supposed to slip out of the guides after the main bolt is removed. If so mine is very tight. Any guidance will be much appreciated.

Sorry, I have never changed them in the car, I use a special clutch puller tool and repair in a vise. Maybe this will help, The spider is "screwed" onto the fixed sheave. Once you take out the bolt, you would somehow have to "lock" the primary sheave (I've read some take out the spark plug and stuff sting into the cylinder to lock the rotation of the engine) then you would need to unscrew the spider (counterclockwise). There is loctite in the threads, so it will be tight. Good luck

[cwheat]

Thanks for the reply. I do have a puller coming this weekend. I will probably pull it out so I can see it better and do it in a vise. The part about unscrewing the spider makes sense after you mentioned it. Thanks again for the info.

[FIXEROFCARTS]

There are other things you need to look at otherwise you could be replacing rollers in a short period of time.

The clutch "face " is important, if it is worn bad, then it allows the "fingers" that hit the rollers to go out straighter (is that a word) and will help to make a wear point on the rollers. Those "fingers" also get worn, and if the ends are worn down, that too can cause the same issue, so look close.