Problem with my Rowing Machine

[William Holmes]

Hi, I’ve just bought a second hand concept2 model D, but there is a problem with it and I’m not sure what’s causing it. Every other stroke the chain just shoots out without engaging with the fan and giving no resistance. It does sometimes catch but there is often no resistance on the strokes. Is there a problem with the sprocket or with the chain or something else? Any help much appreciated?

[nick rockliff]

Hi, I’ve just bought a second hand concept2 model D, but there is a problem with it and I’m not sure what’s causing it. Every other stroke the chain just shoots out without engaging with the fan and giving no resistance. It does sometimes catch but there is often no resistance on the strokes. Is there a problem with the sprocket or with the chain or something else? Any help much appreciated?

It will be the flywheel bearing. Clean out all of the dried grease and lubricate with oil.

[Tsnor]

Look on the forum for clutch slipping. Yours is intermittently slipping, which is common for the clutch failing. You can try the following repairs, or replace the flywheel.

Not an expert, verify before you buy parts.

https://www.concept2.com/service/indoor ... resistance

"Symptom
There is a complete loss of resistance during the drive. There is no noise associated with this loss of resistance.

Resolution
This usually means that the clutch is not engaging due to the lubricant within the clutch becoming contaminated or dried out, preventing the clutch from engaging. A new balanced flywheel assembly will fix the problem."

Also could try this procedure before replacing. From this thread: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=202712&p=543349#p543349

" Missing is reference to a procedure for freeing the clutch bearing needles endorsed by ‘c2Jon’ Wilson (long time Concept 2 employee, now retired, who has reason to know), in which the original grease lube is dissolved and flushed from the bearing bore by liberal application of kerosene prior to relubing with a low viscosity oil. Should be done with flywheel removed from axle and placed on rags or absorbent waste to catch excess kero and lube."

Also, if you can drive out a bearing and replace then talk to Carl Watts about an upgrade bearing vs a new flywheel assembly. Pros/cons for this. Some reading. viewtopic.php?t=163933 viewtopic.php?t=157466

[gvcormac]

Here's a thread discussing the issue: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=205309

Bottom line: The clutch is press fit into the flywheel, and it can be replaced with effort, but Concept2 will sell you a new flywheel assembly for $90.

Before you do either, remove the flywheel assembly, clean the bearing with mineral spirits, dry it, and lubricate with motor oil. Chances are this will fix it.

[William Holmes]

Thank you very much for all your help, I cleaned and lubed the flywheel bearing and it improved but still had the problem. We’ve verified with concept2 and decided to replace the flywheel and hopefully that will fix it

[Ombrax]

Thank you very much for all your help, I cleaned and lubed the flywheel bearing and it improved but still had the problem. We’ve verified with concept2 and decided to replace the flywheel and hopefully that will fix it

Be very careful when handling the new flywheel - you don't want to move or remove and loose any of the balance weights / clips.

[Carl Watts]

Mark all the balance weights and where they fit on the fan before fitment.

If any of them fall off later on your stuffed and you will need yet another flywheel as its very hard to rebalance by trial and error.