Low speed clutch sticking - Need Help

[drpepperbill]

I have a 1926 Model T Roadster. The low speed clutch suddenly began sticking. I have isolated it to the low speed connector and clevis assembly jamming as the clutch is depressed to the floor. I have removed the assembly and the clutch pedal returns smoothly without issue; so I am assuming the bands are still adjusted appropriately (clutch doesn’t hit the floor either).

The clevis assembly twists slightly at the end of the clutch pedal travel just as it lifts up and in. Nothing has broken loose or bent; the clevis motion doesn’t look like it is any different than before. Length is adjusted so neutral just comes off the lever cam; lever cam doesn’t jam or stick either.

Anybody have an idea of how to make an adjustment to the clevis or the connector?

[Mark Gregush]

First the car is in neutral/disengaged when in low, reverse and when you hold the low pedal half way down while using the brake. The only time the clutch really comes into play is in high. So what you are asking is, the clutch is not disengaging when you use low? What does the car do in reverse?
Give us a few more what it is doing details.
Welcome to the forum.

[Duey_C]

Bill, dare I suggest this perhaps? Grab a 15/16ths? or an old crescent wrench (Diamalloy-Diamond Tool and Horse Shoe-Duluth-preferred as I'm in MN) or two.
Loosen the jam nut on the right side on the case (hogshead/transmission cover), give the threaded shaft there a half turn IN (clockwise from the outer end) and try again? Re-snug the jam nut. Been there, done that with my old junk lotsa times. Due on my '18 real SOON as I wear the new, 30 year old linings/bands in. Repeat until no sticking... Lots of other things to worry about and yet...
Keep us informed on your process.

[drpepperbill]

Mark,
Clutch shifts into low gear pedal to the floor, normally, meaning the band engages and the car moves forward. The pedal doesn't release/return without help when you take your foot or hand off. Shifts into high just fine as well. It only sticks when pushed all the way down and the clevis/fork torques over when the clutch shaft moves in to tighten the band. When I remove the assembly, the clutch tightens the low speed band and releases normally so I am concluding that the tranny has no problems, car runs great. Pedal linkage is making causing the pedal to stick.

[drpepperbill]

Duey, I'll give it a try.

[Allan]

William, the symptoms you describe sound like the first gear pedal is going over centre on the clutch linkage. This usually means the L piece on the lnkage assembly needs adjusting to make the linkage longer. This has the effect of lifting the pedal off the floor some. In the worst case scenario, the pedal ramp and the ramp in the hogshead are well worn, and need to be rebuilt/replaced.

Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.

[DanTreace]

Note the red highlighted area for setting 'Free Neutral"

May be as easy as Duey posted.

A sticking low pedal, having to pull it back with the toe, is many times due to worn linings, or low band adjustment too loose.

That will cause 'over center' and lock the pedal down.

The low pedal should be adjusted with the screw on the hogshead until the lining on the low drum is tight when you depress the pedal to about 2" or so from the floorboard. Don't allow the low pedal adjustment to be too loose, as the band lining won't be able to grip and hold the drum from rotating, and that will wear the linings way too fast.

[Scott_Conger]

Certainly sounds like the clevis is going over-center.

Just adjusting for Free Neutral isn't always the entire story. So many cars are sporting worn out hog's heads that in many cases the clevis simply cannot be adjusted long enough, and a new, longer "L" piece must be made.

[drpepperbill]

Thanks for the info, yes, the clevis going over center is a fit description. I will adjust the low speed to engage a little higher without over tightening the band and try adjusting the connection longer this weekend.

Regards, Bill

[Chad_Marcheese]

Is the hole in the pedal that the linkage goes through worn out?

Mine was worn almost through. Decided to overhaul the hogs head, removed the pedal and welded up the hole and redrilled. Works great now.

[Graybeard77]

I keep my low pedal 1 and a 1/2 inch off the floor. It doesn't stick any more. I also readjusted my clevis. Low pedal works fine now.

[drpepperbill]

Diet was right. Giving the band adjustment a half a turn tighter solved the issue.

Thanks for the help everyone.