Clutch basket / pulley set screw is stuck on

[rsshallop]

Hello, Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove the set screw that locks the pulley onto the crankshaft on my cub cadet 108 (stock engine). It won't budge and I am pretty sure i have stripped the opening that the hex key goes into. I have also tried removing it by chiseling the top of the screw counter clockwise, but the screw still won't budge. Below is a picture of the screw in it's current state. I don't want to go any further without some input... Lots of WD40 has been applied over the last couple of weeks. Thanks.

[R Bedell]

IMHO, WD40 is worthless. I much prefer penetrant "PB Blaster". Works so much better. Try that and see what happens.

IF....the PB Blaster was unsuccessful and this were mine, I would dig out my Oxy/Act torch and heat that hub up to loosen the rust bond. That should set that screw free.

[Billy-O]

Try some heat!

WD40 isn't the best of penetrating oil. Did you try Blaster or Gibbs. I'm sure others will chime in with their favorite.

[finsruskw]

if/when you get the screw out, don't expect the ass'y to just fall off.
That may be another whole battle in itself.
I think Jeff makes a puller/tool to ease one through that issue.
Good luck!
Just one more GOOD reason, not to leave this equipment set out in the elements.

[ol'George]

Insert a pin punch that just fits in the hex where the allen wrench fits .
Then whack it smartly.
That shocks the set screw, & usually loosens it.
WD 40 is a water dispersant not a penetrating oil as mentioned.
If you have stripped the hex, try a metric allen wrench, hopefully you have not split it yet.
A new allen wrench is recommended as you need all the grip you can get.
If that all fails, heat from a torch played on the area around the screw will usually help, last ditch effort is drilling it out

[rsshallop]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I will definitely get some PB Blaster next time that I am in town. If that doesn't work, then I will try my propane torch. I have never used the heat approach to remove a stuck bolt, so this will be something new for me to try. I will post a reply once I get the screw out. Ross

[rsshallop]

Thank you too ol'George, I'll try your recommendations before I resort to the heat as I'm a little leery of starting a fire in the basement.

[rsshallop]

Ok, I applied the propane torch for about two minutes and the screw is still stuck. Sorry about my previous post as I can see now that I will not start any fires if I am careful. Anyway, if I end up having to drilling it out, what type of drill bit will I have to use. The last time I resorted to drilling out something (a spirol pin), it was pure hell and I didn't make an inch of progress on it. The metal on these tractors is very hard.

[Jeff in Pa]

See if you can find "KROIL" . It's the best penetrant I'll found. A 50/50 mixture of acetone and ATF (yes, automatic transmission fluid) works great but is flammable

[darkminion_17]

Looks like enough is sticking out to weld a bolt to it.