Noting Eric Nelson's clever removal of the damaged clutch spring, I wonder if it is possible
to then remove the clutch-finger plate from the back side of the transmission and replace a set of burned-out Turbo400 clutch discs?
Lee
No!
I thought the very same thing and three guys stood around watching me prove myself wrong. They looked at it too and thought there was a chance. Another quarter inch might have done it.
Tinkerin' Ted says it can be done in the car and gives directions in his book.
The basic problem is that the Turbo 400 disk pack comes with 8 disks and 9 are usually required to provide the correct stack height.
Those three clutch finger pins have to stick out the transmission back plate a fair amount (about 3/16 inch or just a little more). One parade and they don't do that any more. Too much protrusion and the transmission will always be in high gear.
James,
Does Tinkerin Ted loosen the cylinder block from the pan? That was the only way I could have done it. In this case, all I wanted to do was replace the release ring and couldn't get there from here.
By the time I went for the block gaskets, I was advised to go all the way and take it apart.
You can save yourself ever having to do this again by installing a set of steel original type clutches. You will have a better neutral than any of the Turbo jack watts type clutches and never have a bit of clutch trouble again. It really sucks that so many people fall for this.
Do be sure to install a new clutch spring and new band springs while it is apart.
I disagree, I have turbo 400 type clutch in an A cranked over head engine making a ton of power and the clutch discs are not the weak link, A good spring and proper adjustment are critical. I have yet to burn out a set and I have been using them for 20 plus years.
Lee, I wonder if it makes a difference if your driving plate is the 26-27 style? It is smaller than the earlier ones because it fits inside the brake drum.
BTW, what happened to your Turbo clutches?
"Turbo Jack Watts". Now that's funny.
I posed this question for another party who has a '26-'27 with either too
few discs or a burned out turbo. With his hogshead off he has no tension on his clutch fingers. The car is new to him. You guys always come through. Thanks for all the interest.
Lee
P.S. I was trying to avoid his having to pull his engine.