SOME CLUTCH AND GEARBOX TROUBLES.
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Our Drivet and Mechanic Readers Tell of Difficulties which They Have Overcome.
AUSEFUL TIP in connection with the clutch on the Guy. chassis has been sent by " H.A.L.,". of Raynes Park. It is likely to be of assistance, as he points out, to anyone who finds it necessary to renew the fabric ring which is fitted: between clutch and gearbox. The informatioa. which is embodied in "•11.A.L'e " letter would be acquired by any mechanic on attempting this job for the first time. If he has the knowledge to start with, however, he will be saved an immense amount of time and trouble, for ehich reason we are awarding the 15s. prize to " H.A.L." this
week. • In this clutch the tension springs are carried on two studs, which project through the clutch cone. The clutchwithdrawal thrust collar, however, bears on the shaft at a point immediately in front, of the gearbox. As the flexible coupling ring is placed between the clutch and its withdrawing mechanism some means are required to connect the halves of the joint, so as to relieve the flexible disc of the strain of disengaging the clutch. For this purpose a special bolt is used, as shown separately
ii the sketch. It holds the two joint spiders together.
Unfortunately, the presence of this
bolt makesreplacement of the driving disc difficult, if the workman who is doing the job is not well acquainted -with the -construction, since it involves dismantling the complete coupling. The essential parts, however, can easily be taken down if the two flanged joints, which are specially indicated in the sketch, be broken.
" E.C.E.," of Victoria Park, had a little difficulty at one time with the change-speed lever of a well-known type of lorry. 'This leirer would stick in the gate, and was invariably Stiff to move. On examination he came to the conclusion, that the trouble was. due to lack of lubrication, a condition which was naturally brought about by the inadequacy Of the facilities for oiling. The trouble was aggravated owing to the fact that the bracket and pivot for the lever were exposed, and collected dirt and dust.
One correspondent dismantled the gear, cleaned it thoroughly, fitted a couple of greasers, and wrapped the joint in a leather gaiter made from an old legging. He has had no trouble since. "
MM." of London. W., has evidently had a lot of trouble, from time to time, with a Belsize-clutch stop, which consists, as a rule, of a hollow phosphorbronze cone, which, when the stop becomes effective, makes contact with a cast-iron ring. The phosphor-bronze wears, according to ".m.m.," rather quickly, and, as there is no means-of adjustment. it is •necessary, from time to time, to At a new ring. This is not only expensive but also takes time, owing to the faet ;hat, to effect the replacement, it is necessary to take down the HoleShaw clutch. As an alternative to the phosphorbronze, white, metal was tried, the worn phosphor-bronze ring being lined with it. The experiment only went, to Shove that white -metal was even lees satisfactory than the bronze. Ferodo. was next thought of, and in connection with itthe question of making roomgfor the L-in. thickness of it had to be considered. Eventually, by turning a little off the cast-iron ring, a little out of the phosphor-bronze cone, and still a little more
from the back of the facing upon which the thrust race bore, room was made for the Fere& fabric, which has anewered_the purpose very well indeed. It has the necessary brakieg capacity= that goes without saying—it lasts much better than the phosphor-bronze, and is easily renewed, besides beingichean.
" S.E.," of St. Austell, Cornwall, sends • an interesting suggestion for an improvised dust cover for the universal joints on A.E.C. chassis. It is not at all an. uncommon sight, he stees, to see these chassis with the brass dust covers for these joints riding loose upon the .propeller shaft, having broken away entirely from the joints which they are designed to protect. The covers are int:de of brass; mid, owing to the dust, which they collect, are apt to wear somewhat quickly, particularly the rear one. He finds that a Satisfactory substitute can be made from ii. V-seetion 'discarded rubber joint from is Tyler engine. These joints, he Says, when fitted, not only keep -out the dust., but most effectively retain the lubricant in the joint. The rubber ring should be clipped toned the shaft, as shown in the Sketch, in the samemanner as it is secured to the pipes on the engine. •