How hard is a clutch job to do?
I did an oil change with non synthetic but clutch is still slipping. also recently noticed a small leak where the clutch arm comes out of the case ( you can actually watch the arm "pulse in and out" as engine thumps.
how much and where can i get the special tool for the clutch job?
thanks
franch

Fixing a slipping clutch is not too hard of a job. Your clutch is slipping for one or a combination of the following  problems. The friction plates become worn; the steel plates overheat and warp or the springs are weak. I have a slipping clutch as well and if you want, I can take pictures of the process when I take mine apart in a month or so.
The clutch arm rides in a seal in the clutch cover and replacement will stop the leak. When you remove the clutch cover, simply pry out the old seal and press in a new one.
You can take apart the clutch without the need for a special tool. The tool is used to hold the clutch basket from spinning when removing the large nut. There are a couple of ways to get around this. Put the transmission in gear and apply the rear brake when wrenching the nut, or put a penny, or a rag between the meshing gears on the clutch assy and drive gear to hold them from spinning. You can easily make your own special tool by using an old steel clutch plate and welding a handle onto it.
How old is your Savage and how many miles are on it?

bentwheel,

my savage is a 98 with 19k on it.
if you can post pics of this repair job that would be awesome.
it certainly helped when i was able to reference pics when doing the white spacer/ re-jet job.
one other thing, is there a spring that pulls the clutch arm back down after squeezing the clutch handle ?
if so then mine is suspect as it seems to "hang up" , meaning by hand i could push the arm down a good 1/4 inch
thanks

yeah I already checked that and the freeplay is adjusted properly
thanks
franch

sean franchi wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:


Bentwheel is right about the clutch tool.  You can get around it, but you have to be careful.  Also, be sure to use care when torquing the clutch spring bolts.

The pulsating on the clutch arm is normal.  That is just the clutch spinning with the actuator pin moving slightly.

Also, be sure to assemble the 1 different friction plate with the spring washer correctly.  don't get them mixed up...it is the last friction plate on the right.

torque wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:


I know.  I scratched my head over that one too....just ignore it.  Just another Savage thing.