THANK YOU very much for the suggestion. I would have just lived with a tight clutch, but not now.

Right now, the clutch is still tight. I had about ½ inch of the lining loose and sliding out of the clutch bell. I just jb welded that portion back in. It was so tight that when I accidentally had above idle throttle on start, all I could do was hold the head until I could throttle down the engine. The clutch was smoking after that.

Still it was tight so I sanded it some to loosen it. It still is tight (main blades turn at idle). I did not know it was a big deal to have it tight. I DO NOW!

I am ordering a new lining as we speak. After the receiver returns, I don’t want to pull the engine again, so I am going to redo the clutch while I’m waiting. Excellent suggestion!

Are there any tricks to removing the lining?

Thanks again…..jster