[Farmall] Clutch Decision

[Jim Becker]

One of the main reasons people buy the whole works is so they won't have to 
do it over, especially at a time when they may actually need to be using the 
tractor (or truck or car).  If this is just a tractor you play with, some of 
those concerns don't apply.  Besides, an A is easy to split, so doing it 
twice isn't that big a deal either.  Inspect the parts and only replace what 
it really needs.

Pressure plate:  Clean rust off the friction surface with sand paper. 
Inspect for hard spots (look blue), cracks or scoring.  Check the springs 
and levers for damage.  Make sure the levers are all adjusted the same.  If 
that all looks good, reuse it.

Flywheel:  Same as the friction surface of the pressure plate.

Driven disk:  Check the thickness of the lining.  If it is mostly worn out, 
replace it.  If not, check that it came off clean, with all friction 
material in place and rivets tight.  If it has imbedded rust or a hard 
glaze, sand paper it until the glaze is uniformly broken.  Do this outside 
with wind to your back and wear a mask so you don't breath in any dust.  If 
it is old, it may have some asbestos in it.  If it looks good at that point, 
reuse it.

While you are in there, check the pilot bearing for wear and give it a 
little oil.  Check the throwout bearing too.
Jim Becker

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Ben Wagner" <supera1948 at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 12:10 PM
To: "At" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>; "Farmall/IHC mailing list" 
<farmall at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: [Farmall] Clutch Decision

> Hello,
>
> My 1945 Farmall A had a stuck clutch which turned out to be the pressure
> plate rusted to the "driven member" clutch disk.  There is no rust 
> pitting.
>
> What should I do? I was told that replacing the clutch is the best
> option.  However, the total will come to about $180.  I don't mind
> spending the money, but since the two halves separated without damage,
> can I reuse the clutch?  I also read that you can "slip" the clutch
> slightly and burn off the old rust if you reinstall it.
>
> Could I clean the rust off the pressure plate and only buy the "driven
> member" or even the other way around?
>
> And advice would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Ben Wagner
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