MTFCA Forum

Hi,
when mounting the hogshead, one of the challenges is to get the bronze fork (clutch release bearing) into the right groove in the clutch release device (C on below drawing). Now there are two grooves and the bronze fork can easily go in both, but which one is the right?
I believe it is the lower/inner groove as I have now two cars with it in the upper/outer groove with malfunctioning clutches and excessive axial play in the clutch axle in the hogshead (½" / 10-12 mm).
Before I spend some time trying to fix it, I just want to be sure.
The lower/inner groove is the right?

The one closest to the spring.

OK, then both are correct, but why can the clutch axle move axially ½"? Isn't that somewhat excssive?

Just checked a good working one, rocking the high/low pedal I'm getting about 1/4" play in the clutch finger shaft.
Check to make sure that the clutch forks are not loose on the shaft, they are a tight fit with pins through and peened both ends.
The bronze fork should be nearly as wide as the track in the release.

I just made a small video of both cars so you can see the axial play I'm talking about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfTBeDu ... e=youtu.be

On pages 133-134 of the Model T Ford service manual there is a clear picture (fig. 305) which shows the installation of the clutch release ring into the rear groove on the clutch shift. It’s the one nearest the clutch spring.

That axial play seems to be more that I generally see. Judging by the wear pattern on the pedal shaft it doesn’t seem to cause any problems.
I guess the only thing that limits the axial play is the location of the brass horseshoe shaped release fork and the play between the fork and the two arms on the clutch shaft. If the arms are tight on the clutch shaft I guess there is not much more you can do.
The brass fork goes into the slot nearest the spring, the one towards the rear of the transmission.
My recommendation is that it works, ignore it. Otherwise you’re in for a lot of work for little or no return.

Thank you all for the replies.
Good that I asked before I dismantled the hogshead as my assembly turns out to be OK.
Regarding the "Taxi" I think it is a matter of adjusting the link between the pedal and the clutch axle. I have replaced the old clutch with a new (both rabbit type) and it is considerably thicker than the old - so adjustment should be expected.

Regarding the Pick-up I'm back to square one. The symptoms is, that as I press the gearpedal for neutral or low, it suddenly releases and go into high. I am out of ideas what that could be and have only had the inspection lid off and there is nothing to see.
Now I will assemble the Taxi and get it out of the shop to make room for the pick-up.