Purpose of Clutch Cover Plate

[tangobravo]

I am a user of the original s-clutch for my Super Mini chainsaw. The original version had a clutch plate 69915. It is retained by the notorious screws that have a problem backing out and making a "cooling window" in your clutch cover. Later Homelite replacement s-clutches did not have provisions to attach these plates, were a bit wider (?), and not threaded in the 2 holes.

I am wondering the original intent of the plate- Was this simply a scattershield/blocking plate for an exploded/broken clutch? Probably to protect the side cover or operator from having a piece of clutch imbedded in their forehead??

[edju1958]

I've often wondered the same thing.I've acquired a few SEZ & Super Mini saws that didn't even have the clutch cover plate on them.I understand that on the bigger saws like the SXL-925 the plate is necessary to hold the shoes in place.

[okie]

Good question.

Wondered that myself. Maybe an X pert will answer.

expert definition: drip under pressure.

I have some EZ saws and the clutch cover can become pushed in little to far and them 5/16 hex head screws will make a nice window in the cover. I've took them hex heads to a grinder and thinned them down and added blue or green locktite to hole them secured.

I used a aluminum sign cover plate over some of the nice round window in the side cover.