Clutch/Fluid Drive Question

[Merle Coggins]

To the Fluid Drive experts,

I need to put a clutch in my truck because I was noticing some slippage under certain conditions late this past summer. (the full post is over on the truck board) I'll be taking it in to a local clutch shop for rebuild but I have a question regarding the friction surface on the Fluid Drive unit. Will they be able to grind that surface, like a flywheel, without disturbing the seal? Will the FD unit have to be disassembled to resurface the clutch friction surface, or can it be done as is? And if done as is with the heat damage the seal? Maybe they'll know at the clutch shop, but I worry that they'll look at and say "What the heck is that?"

Also, is this a normal pilot bushing? It looks like fun trying to get down in there to replace it. Maybe I should leave it alone?

Other pics.

Thanks,

Merle

[adam_knox]

Sorry Merle, wish I knew an answer for ya'. Does the shop manual say anything about grinding for repairs? Mine's stored in the garage otherwise I'd look. I do have the 1956 Motor's Auto Repair manual. Doesn't say anything regarding grinding, but does mention the fluid drive seal removal and regular clutch service. I can't scan it at the moment (working on a computer where have the drivers are missing), but let me know and I'll get you a copy of it tomorrow.

Edited January 18, 2010 by adam_knox

[alan32433]

To the Fluid Drive experts,

I need to put a clutch in my truck because I was noticing some slippage under certain conditions late this past summer. (the full post is over on the truck board) I'll be taking it in to a local clutch shop for rebuild but I have a question regarding the friction surface on the Fluid Drive unit. Will they be able to grind that surface, like a flywheel, without disturbing the seal? Will the FD unit have to be disassembled to resurface the clutch friction surface, or can it be done as is? And if done as is with the heat damage the seal? Maybe they'll know at the clutch shop, but I worry that they'll look at and say "What the heck is that?"

Also, is this a normal pilot bushing? It looks like fun trying to get down in there to replace it. Maybe I should leave it alone?

Other pics.

Thanks,

Merle

Merle, seems to me like they would have to remove the plate from the fluid drive unit in order to secure it to the machine for an accurate cut. The cutting process doesn't generate a lot of heat. The pilot bushing is no different from any other one, except that it's buried way down inside the fluid drive unit so it takes a special puller. Since you have the fluid drive unit out, I would at least check the bushing. I have an extra transmission input shaft for my DeSoto. The input shaft should enter a new bushing with a little friction. If you have any side to side play, its probably worn out. If it makes you feel any better, I've never seen one that needed to be replaced.

[Merle Coggins]

I don't know how their flywheel surfacing machines are set up, but I would have to agree that it would probably work best if the clutch driving plate is removed. After reading through the Fluid Drive chapter in my Dodge Truck shop manual, and reading through similar material in a Motors Manual that Adam dropped off this afternoon (Thanks Adam, sorry I couldn't chat longer but I was in the middle of some training), It appears that the clutch driving plate can be removed without disturbing the seal assembly. Maybe I'll give it a try later this week. If I'm going to do a clutch job I want it all clean, true, and good for the rest of this truck's life.

Merle