DEC clutch!

I've been regreasing my AP1200 mount and remeshing the gear-box.   While regreasing the DEC axis, I noticed that the DEC was really stiff even though there is no gearbox connected.  I reviewed some threads on the AP GTO Yahoo group and Roland mentioned that you should be able to blow on the DEC to move it.   While I took that to be an exaggeration (like the one where he stated that everyone will get a AP Traveller from the upcoming run...hm....), my DEC assembly was really stiff and it took maybe 4-5 lbs of force to move it.  I thought, "AHA! This is why I'm getting really crappy DEC guiding!"

After reading some threads in the Yahoo group, I noticed references to a RA clutch.  What?  That means there's a DEC clutch, right?   It took some sleuthing, but I figured out that those funny flat knobs on the DEC assembly were adjusting the tension to the movement of the DEC gear.   Oh....

Another one of those moments when I feel like an idiot.

 

I made the egregiously stupid assumption that the knob was to release air pressure and excess grease from the DEC shaft.   🤦

"It's the DEC clutch, stupid."  Wasn't that the iconic phrase from James Carville?