I took the clutch out today, using cord as a piston stop. I was surprised how tight it was on! When I install the new clutch, I assume I don't have to get it as tight due to the way it spins while running. Is that correct?
Also, I made an observation that may have contributed to this little catastrophe. There was a fair amount of thread-sized material wrapped up in the groove the e-clip fits in. I assume it was the fibers of bark. At any rate, perhaps it caused the e-clip to come off which started the cascade of other events. ??
I also found half of one of the broken clutch retainers behind the clutch. It scuffed up the pump quite a bit....but I can't see that it damaged it beyond that.