Clutch Replacement NAA

[Ancient Blacksmith]

Would replacing the clutch on a 1953 Ford NAA tractor be considered a difficult job? I've wrenched on many things big and small but my strong skill is in designing and building from scratch. ie last major project was an almost half scale live steam locomotive.

Would you recommend I go ahead and give it a try or let a professional do the install? Sorry if this has been ask before.

 

[Tgrasher]

Clutch replacement is not hard but the right tools are necessary. Being able to support the tractor and roll separate it safely is a must. The usual hard part is getting the two sections back together as they have to be almost perfectly aligned. Tell us more about your set up.

 

[Ancient Blacksmith]

Clutch replacement is not hard but the right tools are necessary. Being able to support the tractor and roll separate it safely is a must. The usual hard part is getting the two sections back together as they have to be almost perfectly aligned. Tell us more about your set up.

There is a chain-lift on a trolley in my shop with which I plan on holding the engine half. The floor is level concrete. I have all the basic mechanics hand tools and this shop is set-up for this type of work. What are the "necessary" tools, which I may not have? Also, to make things more interesting, the tractor has a Freeman Loader which must be removed first. Thank you for your input.

 

[mhb@ufe]

It's always a good idea to replace the transmission input shaft seal while the tractor is split. That also allows you to use the input shaft as a clutch alignment tool. You also need to be aware that the pressure plate bolts are pretty soft and won't take a lot of torque to break them.

 

[showcrop]

Before putting it back together, measure from both contact surfaces of the housings to the surfaces that will be engaging to check yourself.

 

[Welding man]

Pretty simple I'd say. My wife used to do one by herself in about 3.4 to 4 hours. She no longer helps me. Said I worker her too hard

 

[mhb@ufe]

Make sure you check the condition of the flywheel ring gear while you have it split.

 

[560Dennis]

I think you can do it. Any one can elevate their skill levels quite quickly on unfamiliar projects with the desire to want to .
Just do it safe with practice.
Not ever done an naa before , safety first . plenty of blocking to prevent the tractor from falling or rolling.
Hydraulic engine crane. Chain and weight test Ed straps for living and maneuvers. Level surface for safety,
I use the one two three support ing locations principle.
I would recommend you watch at least three videos on your tube about doing the job. Three because that should give you more important information about the project.

I use long (12inch example ) threaded rod for guides to relocate the tractor engine to the bell housing as accurate as possible.

Observe all once apart , replace all components that could fail and require a redo which are frustrating and extremely costly.

Change coolant soft plugs located on rear of engine that will rust out and leaking hidden inside bell housing.
Resurfacing the flywheel.
Change pilot bearing .
Change throw bearing.
Change seals as mentioned.
This I’d a 70 year old tractor , bound to be issues with this project. Don’t guess this will be ok looks good to me. Verify.

 

[Tgrasher]

The over head track makes it very easy to roll the front of the tractor. I made a special piece of angle iron that used the valve cover/rocker arm bolts to fasten to. It has a welded loop for the hoist chain to hook. Additionally, a two or three inch ratchet strap around the motor to the hoist for safety. A clutch alignment tool is a must, neat trick mentioned above, but made mine from a wooden dowel on a lathe, after measuring the imput shaft.

 

[Ancient Blacksmith]

Thanks to everyone who responded; much appreciated.