Troubleshooting a Troy-Bilt Trimmer's Clutch Problems

Unscrew the cap on the fuel tank and drain all remaining fuel into an approved container. Start the trimmer and let it burn off any fuel remaining in the system.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove all the screws holding the shaft to the front of the trimmer’s engine. Unplug all the ignition wires leading from the switch to the engine, underneath the trimmer.

Use needle-nosed pliers to disconnect the throttle cable’s Z-fitting from the throttle arm on the carburetor. Unhook the black boot on the spark plug. Use a spark plug socket to unscrew the spark plug and remove it from the engine.

Feed a 10-inch piece of nylon cord slowly into the spark plug hole while pulling out on the starter rope slowly. Feed in enough cord until the piston is blocked and the starter rope can’t be pulled out. Leave at least 3 inches of cord sticking out of the spark plug hole.

Unscrew the clutch drum’s center screw with a socket wrench. Take the clutch drum off the engine. Fit an adjustable spanner wrench around the clutch plates. Unscrew and remove the clutch plates.

Wipe off the clutch drum, clutch plates and crankshaft stub with a rag. Replace the clutch drum if the sides are worn thin. Replace the clutch plates if they are bent, damaged or worn thin. Reassemble the parts in reverse order.