FurryOnTheInside
In Memoriam
They (it, only one) is strong enough to prevent the clutch from slipping under power. The clutch pressure is adjustable by the preload nut.the flower nut can be threaded on a few turns.
here is a label of what I'm calling the parts (stolen from a bikeberry youtube video) so we're all on the same page.
View attachment 85418
here is the clutch side with flower nut threads exposed
sprocket side
I kind of see what you are saying about tightening the flower nut because it *should* compress the spring and pull the push pin towards the clutch side, right? But with that said, I've tried to push the bucking bar and ball by hand, didn't work. inserted very long allen bolt and tried pushing it that way. it won't budge. are these springs inside that stiff?
(The main spring preload nut is shown on Manic Mechanic's diagram. It is immediately to the left of the right hand bearing.)
Just like working on a shock absorber you need to either compress the spring or slacken the preload nut to remove the preload from spring.
Put a chain onto the sprocket. Remove the clutch cable stop and place a flat head screwdriver into a slot in the preload nut and then pull the bottom of the chain to rotate the clutch shaft. This will loosen the preload nut.
Then hopefully you can place the bucking bar and ball into the shaft and put the engine down on the table and press the engine down onto the table, and the threads for your flower nut will protrude enough to screw on. Actually I'm sure you'll have to place something on the table to press the bucking bar in but the message was about the preload.