MTFCA Forum

Steve, what band linings are you using this time?

The metal band could be broken.

Are they removable ear bands? Perhaps the ear is doing something.

What are your driving habits? Low has a clutch like feel to it but you have to tromp on it once you're moving to lock it up. Slippage = wear. Reving to high when starting out in NG too. If, as you say, there's nothing visible perhaps it's how youre starting out.

Is the lock nut backing off?
Check to see if the spring is strong enough to hold the nut in place and the tab stays in the locking groove.

Since I removed my original engine (kevlar linings) and installed a starter-equipped engine (cotton linings), I’ve noticed the need for more frequent band adjustments. I’m going to swap the kevlars into the new tranny to see if that solves the issue. I’ll let you know if it works.

I had a similar problem about 20 years ago on my T......broken band! George possibly has it right.....pull the band and check it.....ugh!

The adjusting bolt is not backing out. I tromp down on the pedal as hard as I can without stalling, and the total absence of lining fuzz in the screen indicates no lining wear. I'm afraid George may have nailed it. If the band is being held together by the stretching Kevlar band that would explain the frequent adjustments.

When I started using Kevlar bands same thing happened to me. Seems it took forever to find the right adjustment.
I think I was way too paranoid about having them too tight after everything I read about them destroying your drum. I would make small adjustments, to make sure they were not rubbing the drum. Finally after about 8 times I finally found it.
I have rocky mtn brakes so I don’t notice it as much for the brakes and reverse.

Take a good look at your pedal. As you push down, it should travel to the right to clamp the band. Put the parking brake all the way forward into the high position and then start pushing the pedal down. It will go about an inch without moving to the right, then should start moving toward the right and keep moving as you push the pedal. If you find that the shaft does not move toward the right until it is almost to the floor, or within an inch of the floor, your cam and notch are worn. This is quite common on Model T's. If so you can replace them by removing the hogs head and taking out the pin. Usually a good idea to replace the shaft at the same time.

With the above wear problem, you will find that the band does not get completely tight when the pedal hits the floorboard. So it slips a bit. The only way to get it to hold the drum tight would be to remove the floorboard. Anyway, worth checking.

With normal wear and good operating condition, your pedal should begin to compress the band as soon as you push beyond the neutral position.
Norm

I agree with Norm, it could be worn pedal cam and notch. I had it happen to me once & it kind of sneaks up on you. Everything seems to be ok, but you keep adjusting the band & don't seem to get anywhere. It's a lot of work to change the pedal cam and notch, but that may be it.

Keith