I think the EZ-clutch upgrade was the best after-market modification I have made so far. However, Joesph has pointed out some valid possible negatives to it.
The EZ clutch works by sandwiching a cork washer between the declination gear and the clutch plate behind it. The cork is only 1/16" thick but it does displace the dec gear 1/16" laterally relative to the worm gear that sits below it and drives it.
It has been noted that the declination gear/worm gear alignment has a wide variation in regards to tolerance from the factory. If the declination gear sits directly centered over the worm gear or if the declination gear sits positioned towards the inner aspect of the worm gear then there exists enough play to accommodate the cork washer.
However, if the declination gear sits on the outer portion of the worm gear then when you insert the cork washer you will 'push out' the declination gear just enough that it will only barely engage the worm gear resulting in improper loading and possible stripping or slipping of the declination gear against the worm gear.
It would therefore behoove one to remove the declination cover (that's the side with th manual dec adjustment knob) and do an inspection of the worm/declination gear engagement prior to ordering the EZ-clutch kit.
Note that the kit can still be installed in cases of adverse alignment but it requires some relatively major attachment bolt loosening and movement of the worm gear to a more appropriate engagement position. Definitely a more involved procedure that involves close support with Petersen Engineering (not a procedure they include with the kit but requires a call to them to figure out best approach and this is noted in the instructions.)
It is also (in my opinion) a good idea to swap out as much petroleum based grease for synthetic grease as you can during the upgrade especially if you intend to operate in cold weather. Petroleum based grease has paraffin wax as a natural part of it and this wax tends to solidify in cold weather.
Pesse (The object is to spend more time looking through it then in it.) mist
-------------------- 12" RCX400
WILLIAM OPTICS 110mm APO ZENITH STAR refractor
Custom Wyorock focuser for refractor
Douglas Schwan DC
Befuddled observer, bewildered student, bemused teacher.
Purveyor of cognitive dissonance.
Todays Quote: "Answers are worthless unless the proper question has been asked."
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