What a Bummer

[Kirk]

Well, I just finished the restoration on my '49 only weeks ago and what happens????? Clutch problems The throwout bearing is "shelled".

The bigger problem though, is why. I'm afraid I know the answer, but want to see what yall think. Hopefully I'm wrong. Here's what happened:

A few days ago, I finished restoring and attaching a snowblade to "Red". Then I drove her around a bit and noticed that the gears were beginning to grind some when I changed gears. The next day it was worse.....and today I knew I had to check things out.

First I checked and did some adjustments to the clutch pedal play....whereas there was a LOT And I couldn't get the play out. From there, I went to the hand hole and upon removing the cover, a bunch of graphite powder came pouring out

Now here's a little background: When I was restoring "Red", I changed out the transmission which had the clutch shaft still attached. I knew the replacement tranny was a good quiet one, but never really drove that tractor much. When I got Red all back together....the tranny was quiet and I could feel no vibration.

But the way the powder came out of the inspection hole....I'm thinking that the shaft must have a small bend in it to do that to a brand new throwout bearing????? I'm hoping that's not the case but I don't really know what else it could be.

Any ideas or suggestions? Looks like I have a project ahead of me regardless. I appreciate any input

[Rick Prentice]

When I got Red all back together....the tranny was quiet and I could feel no vibration.

Hi Kirk. I would say the shaft wasn't bent. My guess would be you either forgot to grease the new throw out bearing, or there's some sort of burr on the pressure plate fingers. Another possibility is the pressure plate fingers way out of adjustment causing the TOB to mate wrong. Are they adjusted to the 1 1/4" spec's?

Rick

[Kirk]

Rick,

I had adjusted the fingers but did NOT grease the throwout bearing. Though it makes sense to me now, didn't know you needed too.

I'm hopeful that is the cause.....and appreciate your quick response, Rick.

I'm feeling much better now

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Actually greasing the throw out bearing is a long term type investment. It is lubricated by the oil seperating from the wax base in the grease and soaking into the graphite from the rear. This takes time. The IH ones come prelubricated, so the graphite is already saturated up with oil, while the aftermarket ones I have seen are completely dry. It is not in the manuals, but when installing one I like to wipe a very thin layer of oil or grease on the face of a new TO bearing.

[Kirk]

Thanks John!
I should have known better

[Jim Becker]

It is not in the manuals, but when installing one I like to wipe a very thin layer of oil or grease on the face of a new TO bearing.

I do the same. I don't put on enough for the fingers to throw it around. I make sure the entire face is covered, but hardly more than enough to make it shine a bit.

[Kirk]

Man, I've been learning allot lately.......the hard way

Just proves "no matter how old you are....."