I went through the stuck clutch experience last year. Below is the postings from the Yahoo BCS board regarding how to unstick a BCS clutch. Please note Rob's advice about always storing the BCS with the clutch lever depressed. This keeps the clutch facings apart and thus prevents the rusted together sticking problem.
Bill in NC
Re: BCS Clutch
Rob, you are the man! I did as you suggested and bingo,
the clutch is working like new. I heavily sprayed WD-40
into the holes on the output end and then put a large
socket over the output end so as to damage the output
connector (looks like the inside of a socket wrench) and
then put the assembly front-to-back inside a large vise.
WD-40 was liberally sprayed in the side holes around the
clutch body. I cranked down the vise and let it out about
ten times while continuing to spray WD-40 into the holes.
You can feel the clutch action loosen up after cranking
down and letting out several times. Note: you can only
crank down to the internal clutch stops which are visible
through the side holes.
The clutch now works smooth and easy.
Rob, thanks for the technical advice. I owe you.
Bill in NC
-- In
BCS_Users@yahoogroups.com, "Rob McDowell" <redwine@...> wrote:
>
> Bill,
>
> The first step is to put it in a vise and try to squeeze it open, using
> WD-40 through the holes. If, and likely when, that doesn't work, place it
> on a block and using a piece of wood as a pad strike with a hammer, gently
> at first. It took a a full swing with a 5 lb sledge for me. Been fine
> since (5 yrs of heavy use). Always keep the clutch disengaged (open) when
> not in use.
>
> Rob