One way clutch

[Gordon]

Some folks use a one way needle bearing clutch to start their engines. Amazon shows some 1/2" ID x 3/4 OD x 1/2" long or 7/8" long. Will either of these work? Do the needles stay in the clutch OK? Does it require a hardened drive spigot to drive it?

Thanks.

 

[stevehuckss396]

Hello Gordon

On my V8 I used a 1/4 inch bearing and a 1/4 inch hardened drill blank to start it. It's hidden in the front pulley/balancer on the front of the crankshaft.

I used an unhardened piece of drill rod and it chewed itself up and then destroyed the bearing. So to answer your question, yes those will both work and yes I would use a hardened "drive spigot" for longevity.

 

[Gordon]

Thanks Steve. You are the one I got the idea from I saw your engine at NAMES and talked to you about it. Sorry about the spigot term. When I was writing the original post it was the only term I could come up with.

 

[stevehuckss396]

Sorry about the spigot term. When I was writing the original post it was the only term I could come up with.

Made me laugh. I call it a "Starter shaft".