Fitting clutch return spring in a Fordson Dexta - Single clutch

[Richard981]

I removed the cross-shaft to fit a new oil seal. The return spring was very difficult to remove. I am expecting it to be very awkward to fit on the edge of the fork that operates the release bearing. Has anyone any advice on making this job fairly straighforward? I was minded to try and compress the spring sufficiently using 2 pieces of wire and design a tool that will apply a torque to the end of the spring to rotate it back into position.

Regards
Richard

[Billy26F5]

I think the tool will help. Not quite sure about the bits of wire. Might be worth making the tool to fit a rachet spanner to enable extra movement. Just a thought.
Sandy

[Richard981]

Thank you for your advice. Will tackle this job when I get the new clutch plate fitted. I have taken photos of the spring orientation before I removed it so at least I know what it should look like when correctly fitted. It was a friend who works at landroves who suggested compressing the spring slightly. I think he used tie wraps in the past and cut them when he had the release spring in place.

Richard

[Richard981]

Fitting the clutch return spring turned out to be straightforward. I located it on the clutch fork and this left the other end having to be rotated through about 90 degrees. I used a 9mm socket on the end of a 1/2 inch T bar. I was easily able to prise it back into position. I would advise using safety glasses for this procedure just in case the end of the spring broke.

Richard

[Billy26F5]

Glad that worked, and a good caution too.
Sandy