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Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2023 10:38 pm
by BE_ZERO_BE
My clutch is slipping.
I have verified the linkage is properly adjusted.
I will need to adjust the three fingers on the clutch drive plate.
The question I have is, do I turn the screw clockwise as viewed looking forward from the back of the car, or counterclockwise?
I only want to do this once.
Thanks for your help.
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2023 10:41 pm
by BE_ZERO_BE
Some additional information :
My transmission was recently rebuilt due to a cracked drum and the fingers were set to 13/16"
I have a Watts clutch.
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 3:20 am
by Kerry
Clockwise, as in screwing them deeper into the fingers, now the question would be, was the spring replaced? as the Ford ones do not have enough pressure to work on the modern clutch pack.
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:13 am
by Craig Leach
Hi Bob,
I have discovered some confusion about aftermarket clutches. There is Turbo 400, jack rabbit, Genuine Watts & R.V. Anderson clutches.
The R.V. Anderson & Watts clutches should come with a new stronger spring. I just recently installed a Watts in my speedster and it slipped
soon after. I adjusted the fingers in C.W. one half turn and took it out for testing after 60-70 miles of intraffic driving I noticed a little
slipping again. Adjusted another one half turn C.W. This made the gap much more than 13/16" ( maybe 15/16") after almost 200 miles I
have no slipping and a free nuetral. The Turbo 400 & Jack rabbit I have always set @ 13/16" had no issue. But heard of a Turbo 400 slipping
due to a weak spring & some wear as a result. There is also a push ring mod. needed for the Watts & R.V.Anderson to compensate for the
thicker plates.
Craig.
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:16 pm
by Art M
What is wrong with using the original plain disc clutch plates. I feel if properly driven and adjusted they never require further attention. What am I missing.
Art Mirtes
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:29 pm
by speedytinc
Art M wrote: ↑Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:16 pm
What is wrong with using the original plain disc clutch plates. I feel if properly driven and adjusted they never require further attention. What am I missing.
Art Mirtes
A true neutral.
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 6:09 pm
by Mark Gregush
Art M wrote: ↑Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:16 pm
What is wrong with using the original plain disc clutch plates. I feel if properly driven and adjusted they never require further attention. What am I missing.
Art Mirtes
They all need adjusting at some point or the car is not being driven enough to get to that point!
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 8:34 pm
by BE_ZERO_BE
Kerry,
That is what I thought.
Thanks for the confirmation.
Yes the spring is new.
Craig,
Thanks for the additional information.
My Watts is from one or two manufacturers before R.V.
I have used Watts clutches for over 30 years with no issues.
The reason that this came up at is that I had to replace a broken low drum.
I seem to remember I had to make a further adjustment a long time ago after I put the clutch in.
Art,
There is nothing at all wrong with the original clutch disks.
There are many Model T's out there with original clutches.
There is an advantage with the Watts clutch in that
it gives a more distinct neutral.
This can be an advantage in colder climates.
Thanks to all who responded.
The Forum works !!!
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2023 8:07 am
by Jerry VanOoteghem
Art M wrote: ↑Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:16 pm
What is wrong with using the original plain disc clutch plates. I feel if properly driven and adjusted they never require further attention. What am I missing.
Art Mirtes
You're missing nothing. After tens of thousnads of miles, I have never had to readjust my original clutch. I also have plenty of neutral. Don't know if it's a "true nuetral", but it's all the neutral I need.
Re: Sanity Check - Clutch adjustment
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2023 4:34 pm
by Craig Leach
There is no issue with a stock clutch in good condition if driven properly. The issue is most of the parts we have to deal with were not driven
or maintained properly so they are not in good shape anymore. A grooved hub will cause dragging & slipping. If you file the grooves and don't
get them square you may find more trouble when the plates start coming apart and getting in places they shouldn't be in. The Watts clutch
seems to be a good alternative to a new drum & clutch plates but being of a softer material may need adjusting from time to time.
Craig.