MS460 clutch removal?

[gpigeon]

My MS460 was leaking bar oil from the crankcase joint (I think). It was also running very roughly, blowing heaps of smoke and difficult to control the speed. My guess was a poor crankcase joint???? The 3 screws I could get to were loose but I think there is another screw under the clutch body.
Is the clutch screwed to the crankshaft? If so, LH thread? Tips for removal?
Fairly basic questions for the Stihl experts I know...I hope you can help.
Thanks.
Bill W.

[ZeroJunk]

It loosens in the direction the chain turns.

If you take the plug out and turn the clutch clockwise so you can see the piston coming up you can push a few inches of starter rope in there as a piston stop. Not as good as a real piston stop, but people do it all the time. And, hard to buy a piston stop for one saw.

The reason you want to see the piston coming up is because you don't want to get the rope hung in a port.

You'll figure it out.

[leeroyjd]

Air ratchet if you have one.

[blueberrymuzik]

I find the easiest way for me is to first remove the starter cover. Then hold the flywheel with one hand while using a pneumatic impact on the clutch. Yes, it is a left hand thread- in order to remove it, you turn it in the direction that tightens most bolts.

[blueberrymuzik]

There are a total of 5 screws holding the crankcase together.

[joe_indi]

Starter rope inserted with piston on compression stroke just past the exhaust port, 19mm 6 sided socket, rachet lever with a 1" 2 foot pipe on it will give you the simplest removal tool. A good idea before attempting all this is to heat the area around the clutch and crank meeting area with a hot air gun after dropping a few drops of oil onto the barely visible thread, till you notic some froth appearing. This indicates the oil is going into the thread. Continue for a minute or two longer and then try the clutch removal.

[gpigeon]

Thanks "gents" (some of you may not be!)for the very helpful replies.
The clutch came off first go. All 5 c/case screws were loose so I think that was most likely the problem. Have not tried to run it yet though...maybe today.
Thanks again.
Bill.