I have a Craftsman chainsaw model#358.356242 and the drive sprocket behind clutch assembly needs replaced.I ordered a new assembly and I was wondering how to get the old clutch off.Is there a special tool needed? Any help would be greatly appreciated! THANK YOU!!

Eric J. Greenslate, November 2008

Mr.Keith Fisher:Just wanted to let you know your advice worked great.I put a small wooden handle off of a small wire brush into the sparkplug hole to keep the piston from coming up,tapped on the clutch with a hammer and brass pin.Clutch came right off.Wish I could help you with your problem on the oil pump worm drive,but how can you teach that that you do not know? THANKS AGAIN!!! Eric Greenslate

Eric J. Greenslate, November 2008

Most craftsman chain saw clutches are left hand thread. You can try a couple of things. In most cases you need to put a cylinder stop in to limit crank travel, then take of the clutch with tools offered by Baileys, or take a 3/8" flat bottom punch a carefull hit the clutch drive shoe frame. this will hope fully spin it off.

I have one apart right now on the bench. My problem is getting the oil pump worm drive off.

Keith Fisher

Keith Fisher, November 2008