Versatile Clutch Question

[Howard H.]

We've got an 1981 895 Versatile with an 855 Cumins engine. The clutch is similar in style to an old mid-70's Peterbilt semi tractor (also with an 855 Cummins).

Seems like we've had a rash of the throwout bearing going out.

I put the whole new clutch assembly in not 100 hours ago and it is out again.

The clutch itself is fine - it is just the throwout bearing (about 6 inches in diameter) we keep thrashing...

Does anyone know any tricks that you need to watch out for when putting in a new clutch??

I thought we had the proper amount of free travel set on it...


Howard

 

[SDLoy]

Pull type clutches require a lot of high grade grease. The instructions that come with the ones that I install say to "overgrease". Fifty - yes fifty - pumps is not out of line for a new clutch. Pump until a little oozes out around the bearing, then push and hold the pedal to the floor and give it the rest of the fifty. Greasing while running is also good, but only if you have an extended grease tube. Use only better quality, high temp grease. Loy

 

[guido]

HEY Haward
It sounds as if the bearing is running all the time. There should be 1/8 inch of play betwwen the realese fork and the bearing if you have a pull clutch. THE ONLY TIME IS SUPPOSED TO RUN IS WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO CHANGE GEARS. Also you should have 1 to 1/2 inch of play for the clucth pedal.
Guido.

 

[guido]

hey SDLoy
I don't know were you got your information on the lubrication requirements on the cluch release bearing,but it is not correct.
I have personally replaced the same type of clutch on tractors with the same set up with 300.000 miles on them and the same bearing. 2 or 3 pumps of grease every 10.000 miles at regular intervals.
Guido

 

[SDLoy]

A pull type clutch release bearing always turns. Whenever the motor runs, the bearing is turning. Unlike a push type clutch, there is no sleeve around the input shaft but there is a brass bushing on the inside which does also require grease. I have been working with these clutches for thirty years and have replaced a lot of them from a lack of grease and not a single one from too much. Loy