McCulloch m3616 clutch won't release

The centrifugal clutch is stuck in the ON position. The chainsaw is only 2 years old and has been carefully used.

The weights don't moved with judicious rapping and tapping. There's no evidence of abnormal wear on the visible contact area inside the clutch drum, and can't see any rust or overheating.

I'm wondering if the central 2 eared cam has bound where it sits inside the weights, or if the bearing inside the drum has seized.

Don't want to pull this clutch apart unnecessarily. It all looks rather dry, should I try some penetrant first or will oiling affect the clutch ?

 

It's a chainsaw BTW - doh

 

Does this run fine? If the clutch was locked up then the chain will spin all the time at all speeds, is this what it is doing?
If the chin will not spin then check the anti kickback guard and make sure it is not on.

 

If the needle bearing siezes, the clutch will drive all the time.... You should pull the clutch apart to inspect it & if it is damaged, check the area of the crank where it rides for damage as well... Roger

 

Thanks for the replies. Yes the chain is always moving when the motor is turning, the CS runs and works fine otherwise , but dangerous.

No, not run with the brake on.

I won't be at the property where the CS lives for a month or so, have finished cutting and splitting for this Sthn Hemisphere winter, will pull the clutch apart later.

 

Got the clutch off with a little persuasion - the needle bearing had siezed onto the crank, fortunately no great damage to the needles or the shaft. After a good cleanout and a bit of grease the clutch is working perfectly.

Didn't see anything in the manual about oiling the bearing. Lesson learned.