Clutch & Sherman Questions - 841

Dad, my uncle, and I spent most of the day splitting my 1957 841 to replace the clutch. I've got lots of pictures, and there's a story behind it--I'll post another thread for that if you all are interested. However, I have several questions that I'll ask here:

1) We found that the clutch isn't worn out, it's just oil-soaked.







Is there any way to "dry out" and/or recondition this clutch to use?

The following questions are about the Sherman Over/Under Auxiliary transmission:

2) How much "side to side" play (if any) should there be in the clutch shaft?



3) How much "end play" or "front to back" play (if any) should there be in the drive shaft?



4) When we had the Sherman out to clean it off and inspect it, we laid it on its side briefly, and oil came out of the clutch shaft end. Does that indicate the seal is bad, or was that just because we had it flipped on its side?

5) Am I correct when I say that the Sherman gets oiled "from the transmission" and we don't need to put any oil back in it prior to re-placing it in the housing?

6) Is this groove pictured below and circled in red on the transmission "wall" where the Sherman drive shaft sticks through to the transmission for an o-ring?



Or does the gasket labeled #33 below alone keep the oil at bay?



Thanks to everyone in advance for your help! The wealth of knowledge here is invaluable!

Is there any way to "dry out" and/or recondition this clutch to use?

You'll get a lot of advice on backyard tricks to use to dry it out. Best bet is to replace it. They're not that expensive. If you're determined to reuse it, soak it for a day or two in something dry like lacquer thinner or alcohol. That will get a lot of it, but not all of it.

2) How much "side to side" play (if any) should there be in the clutch shaft?

The bearing is all the way in the back of the shaft, so you will get some side play at the outside end. When installed the pilot bearing supports the front end securely. But check the big bearing inside anyway.

3) How much "end play" or "front to back" play (if any) should there be in the drive shaft?

Nothing supports that until it's installed. You will be able to pull it out 1/4" to 1/2" when the Sherman is on the bench. That's normal.

4) When we had the Sherman out to clean it off and inspect it, we laid it on its side briefly, and oil came out of the clutch shaft end. Does that indicate the seal is bad, or was that just because we had it flipped on its side?

That's because the seal is bad. No oil should come out the front end. That's also why your clutch is soaked.

5) Am I correct when I say that the Sherman gets oiled "from the transmission" and we don't need to put any oil back in it prior to re-placing it in the housing?

That is correct that it gets lubed from the main transmission, but you definitely need to fill it with oil when you install it. Otherwise the bearings could burn up before it got enough oil worked in from the main transmission. Install the Sherman without the front nose and shaft. You're going to have it off anyway to replace the seal and inspect the bearing. Once it's bolted in place, fill the case with oil and then install the front nose and shaft.

6) Is this groove pictured below and circled in red on the transmission "wall" where the Sherman drive shaft sticks through to the transmission for an o-ring?
Or does the gasket labeled #33 below alone keep the oil at bay?

No o-ring. Gasket only. Make a new one from 1/64th gasket material. You can't buy one.

Thanks so much, John!

The gasket you're talking about was shot when we took it off, so I'd say oil's coming from both places.

As I see it, the seal in question is #26 on the diagram posted above, right? Can I get that from CNH?

Also, what weight oil would you put back in the Sherman? We have been putting 134D hydraulic oil in all 3 sumps, will that also be acceptable for the Sherman?

The seal is the same as the one for the standard tractor input shaft, 8N7052A or the equivalent from C/R or National. Available about anywhere including this site.

Use the same oil as you use in the transmission because they will be mixing.

In case you haven't seen his web site, John Smith's got some great info on Sherman transmission. Here are some quick links. Enjoy!

http://www.oldfordtractors.com/sherman.htm

http://www.oldfordtractors.com/surebuild.htm

Kevin