ASTRO-PHYSICS German Equatorial 1200GTO, Manual, Page: 35 / 38

CLUTCH PLUG REPLACEMENT FOR 900 OR 1200 MOUNT
Who needs clutch plug replacements?
If the clutch knobs of your 900 or 1200 mount are tightened down with excessive force, the plugs under the knobs may deform
and splay out. This will cause your mount to feel very stiff and you will be unable to back off the pressure of the clutch knobs.
Once this happens, the clutch plugs need to be replaced.
We have developed a tool, part #M0100, that will successfully remove the clutch plugs so that you can install new ones. If you
prefer to make your own tool, we offer instructions in the Technical Support section of our website.
The part number of the clutch plugs is M12665-A. Please do not try to substitute your own clutch plugs since incorrect
dimensions or composition of the material can impair the performance of your mount.
What you will find in this package:
•
A special screwdriver that has been modified by Astro-Physics, if you ordered it. This screwdriver is marked with masking
tape. DO NOT REMOVE this tape. Instructions for making your own tool can be found below and in the Technical Support
section of our website.
•
Replacement clutch plugs (M12665-A).
What you will need:
•
½ to 1 pound hammer
•
A light machine oil (example: 3 in 1)
Replacement of “old” Clutch Plugs
Removal of the old plugs will be done by, “hammering” the special “screwdriver” into the old plug. This will create a “driving” slot
for the “screwdriver” blade.
Please follow the steps below.
Remove the clutch knob from the clutch plug hole
Insert the screwdriver into the clutch plug hole and press down firmly (make sure the guide point on the screwdriver is fully
engaged in the center hole of the “old” clutch plug
Sharply hammer the screwdriver so as to drive its’ blade about 3/16 of an inch into the old plug. The masking tape on the
screwdriver shank will provide a good reference for this 3/16” depth. The tape will be “level” with the top of the clutch plug hole
when the correct depth has been achieved (see the illustration below).
Maintaining a positive downward pressure, turn the screwdriver in a counter clockwise direction. This will cause the old clutch
plug to “unscrewed” from the clutch hole. You may need to use considerable turning force at first to get the old plug to start to
“unscrew” itself.
About 25 or so revolutions of the screwdriver will be needed to withdraw the plug completely.
Place a “new” clutch plug down the hole.
Place 2 – 3 drops of light machine oil down the hole.
Replace clutch knob.
Repeat above steps with the remaining seven “old” clutch knobs.
Updated: 08-08-05
34