Model B Clutch Problem

Raptor44

Member
Just finished restoring my first JD. Its a 1945. Runs Great. Starts on 2d or 3rd pull of the flywheel. When the project began the clutch was locked up. While in the paint shop the painter had his friend come over and unlock it and install new plates/operating bolts and a dog. This assembly has a very large nut and cotter pin on the end of crankshaft. I tightened the nut and proceeded to adjust clutch. Problem 1 the adjusting nuts do not appear to adjust enough to put a cotter pin in at the end of procedure. Never the less I made the adjustment having the right feel on the engaged and disengaged side. Drove it for about an hour and lost the entire adjustment and couldn't disengage. I have gone through this at least 5 times. Same result. Seems right at first but then a no/go after driving it. Some time when it cools the adjustment might be a little better that it was when I turned the engined off. Any ideas on this problem. Could end play in the crank be a problem.
 
A before and after picture.
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Has the flywheel or clutch disc been removed during your restoration? Check crankshaft end play, as Pat's Deere said. Make sure the flywheel bolts are tight, and that the flywheel isn't moving out on the crank. As you probably know, the drive dog on the flywheel has to engage the slot in the oil slinger, if not the end play adjustment won't hold. Also, is the clutch drive disc tight on the crankshaft? The outer face of the hub on the drive disc must be proud of the end face of the crank or it won't tighten on the tapered splines of the crankshaft. Just some thoughts, nice looking tractor.
 
When the painter's friend worked on the clutch where you there to see what he did?
Maybe you ought to take the clutch apart and see if it was put together right.
 
Unfortunaltly I was not there. Not by my choice. I did talk with the fellow on the phone two days ago. He is very knowlageable on JD's has a nice Spoker D himself but I don't like the fact that I wasn't involved in this process since it was my responsability for the mechanicals on this tractor. Oh well. I will tear it down. There is end play on the crank. How hard to set that up again. Thanks for your input.
 
After you get the clutch put back together, engage it and then block the pulley to the left with a jack, block of wood, ratchet strap or whatever you want to use.

Set up a dial indicator against the inside hub of the flywheel. Without disengaging the clutch move the clutch lever back and forth and note the movement on the dial indicator.
It should be in the .005 to .010 range. If not, move the flywheel in or out and tighten the flywheel bolts. Check the end play again and adjust the flywheel until you get the end play into range. Then tighten the flywheel bolts to 150# using a torgue wrench.
 
Took it all apart. Interesting. Adjusted the end play in the shaft. That was easy. Now have .005. Mr Knowledgeable (see above) installed the wrong bolts. They were a half inch to short. Also told me I should be adjusting the clutch with the lever not engaged. Huh???? Ordered new ones. Outer plate and clutch drum are pitted bad. Decision time. Either order new ones or have them refaced at the shop. Man this manure is fun. I love tractors..
 

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