Fordson Dexta - Clutch Problem and investigation

[FredC]

Hello everyone,
I'm back working on my Fordson Dexta 4 cylinders Petrol tractor. This time I have to fix the Clutch which can no longer be disengaged.
Reading instructions from a similar Fordson tractor Service Manual, it only deals with the 3 cylinders version.
It states that I must remove the whole engine to access the Clutch area.
I started dismantling the tractor front part but cannot dislodge the engine.
The manual is not too clear about the procedure.
It appear to me that I must dismantle the whole front wheels assembly to move the engine forward.

The Questions:
Am I going in the right direction ?
Any advise ?
Thanks

[Billy26F5]

Details on petrol models are rare, but the clutch was the same. There is a petrol engine parts book around, also a supplement to the std instruction book. You do need to split the bell housing, best to use a splitting rail, wedges to keep the front axle from moving on its pin and disconnect everything between the two (fuel lines, electrics, throttle linkage, radius rods and drag links). Once that's done it should come easily. Be sure supports are good and that there's no danger of a collapse or runaway. I suspect service letters cover the petrol engine, but not sure where you'd find any.
Sandy

[FredC]

Thanks for your advises, Yesterday I was successful in getting the clutch out, not without hard work, to say the least.
Now I have to fix the clutch. The problem revealed itself quite quickly. The 6 little "Adjusting Screws" heads are worn out to the point that there is almost no bolt head thickness remaining. Hence, the clutch malfunction ( it couldn't anymore disengaged).

Furthermore, the clutch and the inside of housing are quite rusted. simply changing the 6 bolts and adjustment, I suspect, would do the repair but I think, while dismantled, I might as well revamp the whole clutch.
From the manual I got, I am able to determine that this one is a dual clutch but still can not, so far, determine which model, FSM or FPM.
I know its not an FMD, the tractor runs on gasoline. Nervelessness, it is, no doubt, a dual clutch.

Also, clutch pushing mechanism seems to be in good shape. Surprisingly, there seems to no information in the manual about the construction and dismantling to this part. The axial push bearing that contact the 6 adjusting screws is almost immaculate, not marked or grooved and easily turn with my fingers. So I think nothing needs servicing in that area other than perhaps a readjustment following the clutch repair.

It is difficult to evaluate the status on both Transmission disc and PTO disc. I was planning to soak the whole assembly into a derusting chemical mixture, but I'm worried to, perhaps, further damage the clutch ?

Should I venture into rebuilding the clutch or play safe and just change the adjusting screws ?
After all a 65 year old tractor may deserve a clutch revamp ?
The other question remaining is: Are replacement discs still available on the market ?

Thanks
Fred

[Billy26F5]

Don't wet the linings or they'll need replacing. Other than that it shouldn't be an issue to soak the rest provided it's fully dry before you assemble it. You'll want new adjusting screws, the PTO ones need to be 0.62" behind the transmission ones, and don't let it bottom internally or you'll need to take it apart again. Replacement discs are available, not sure if they're good or not as I've not used one yet. The screws should require a minimum torque of 5 lb ft to move at all. The linkage between the release bearing and the pedal is quite simple enough to not require any comments in the manual.
You seem to be referring to Major's now but you posted this in the Dexta forum saying it was a petrol Dexta, what do you actually have? The clutches are similar but not the same. Manuals for both are around. Some pics would be nice.
Sandy

[FredC]

Hello Sandy. Thank you so much for your assistance as I'm not a mechanic to begin with, I can assure you that your help is very valuable to me.
In reference to your comment ", and don't let it bottom internally or you'll need to take it apart again." Can you pls elaborate. What is the "it" ?

Also, "The screws should require a minimum torque of 5 lb ft to move at all." Are you mentioning this pertaining to the 6 "adjusting screws" ?
Are you mentioning 5 lb-ft torque because the value seems quite high ?

As for the tractor model, I'm not too sure myself. My original post contain links to some pictures, if you want to look at. In fact my original post goal was a try to find the exact model but so far I have not had any firm confirmation. Perhaps you can also help me with this.
Here is my original post link: https://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpb ... f=3&t=8439
If you require more pictures I can certainly take more and post them.

Referring to this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bAmJU8e5Dy4?si=P96c3RGkfXuOY6ry
My tractor look pretty much identical to this one, so that is why I think it is a Fordson Dexta.
Why did I mentioned FSM of FPM is because that is what is mentioned in the tractor manual that I have presently, in the Clutch chapter.
Then the confusion.
It is most probable that the manual would not systematically allude to the Dexta for the Clutch, but the Manual Front Page list the following:
SHOP MANUAL, FORDSON, FORDSON DEXTA, FORDSON SUPER DEXTA, FORD 2000 SUPER DEXTA, NEW PERFORMANCE SUPER DEXTA
And the manual only mention a 3 pistons engine. No reference whatsoever about a petrol 4 pistons engine.
So basically, I do not really know the exact model or year, But several information would point to this YouTube model Fordson Dexta 1964.
Pls, share your thoughts on the model. Like, what would be the ultimate characteristic that would tell us the exact model or anything else.
One thing is certain: The tractor has a Dual Clutch.

Thanks again

Fred

[Billy26F5]

I should have checked your earlier posts before! This is a petrol Dexta. I see you're using the I&T manual, not the best one. You're better with the Ford one, that is around on internet, hopefully will be on the forum too soon. The 5 lb ft torque is a specification for these screws, they will shake around otherwise and not stay where they should. As for the bottoming, it should be the clutch pedal on the footplate, not the clutch itself. If you put the screws too far in or out and adjust the linkage it might well bottom out inside rather than the clutch pedal hit the footplate, in which case the screws need to be adjusted again, and a damage inspection should also be made. The Ford manual also details all this, although there it's referenced to the Ford live clutch tool.
Sandy

[FredC]

I guess I'm figuring things out as I proceed with this repair.
I found a Ford Dexta Service Manual from Ford Motor Company Limited, Service Department, Tractor Division, Dagenham, England.
Hope that is the manual you are referring to. It's got 100 pages and relate to 10 different sections, among them the Double Clutch section 5. Sections 6 to 10 missing from the document.
On page 90, a nice image of the Dual Clutch. I can see the Transmission Clutch Disc includes 6 torsion absorption springs installed radially.
I do not have those 6 springs on my broken Transmission Clutch Disc. Therefore I am doubtful if this manual is the correct one. Or, perhaps, that Clutch Disc as been changed over the years.

On my first manual document page 24 ( the I&T manual ) the clutch assembly is shown that same Transmission Clutch Disc with the 6 radial springs. Again, mine has no such springs. Which greatly puzzle me.

Before I purchase a replacement I better be certain that I will be the correct one.

Would you have a suggestion on that discrepancy ?
Can you suggest a supplier for those Replacement Clutch Discs ?
Thanks

Fred

[Billy26F5]

You've now found the right manual, the rest of the parts are in other documents for sections 6-8 and 9-10. What is your serial number? I think all Dexta transmission discs have these springs (including single clutches) but the later 960E-7550 discs might have not had them, I'll check things when I can in a couple of days. Spares will be difficult in Canada, most are in Britain, and I'm not sure if they're ok or not. Sorry for the lack of clarity but I'm a bit busy at the moment.
Sandy

[Billy26F5]

I've now found time to check up and this confirms you have 960E-7550, with a solid disc rather than a cushioned one as used before. I'm still keen to know what your serial number is, although the disc might not be the actual original, genuine or not.
Sandy