Pressure plate setting bulletin, engine and steering clutch

[fundytides]

Lavoy, I have received a copy of a page from a 350 crawler manual dated Aug 73 that says "use the center tang of the gauge marked ENGINE for this check. STEERING notch is used only for 1010 crawler steering clutches." Which is correct for my 40c steering clutches this manual or the earlier bulletin you have shown?

[Lavoy]

The 350 process is different, use the notch on either side like is shown in the bulletin for your crawler.
Lavoy

[fundytides]

Installing my new 40 steering clutch today and have a few questions. (1). How do I "exercise" the clutch before adjustment as directed in the bulletin? (2) On the new pressure plate there are spring clips on the release levers covering the head of the adjustment bolts. I assume I need to remove these but don't see how they come off. Also, should they be reinstalled after adjustment is complete? Thaks for all your help.

[jtrichard]

you can put the clutch in a press to "exercise" the pack..the clips pry off from under the bolt head and yes put them back on as they keep the pressure plate tight to the fingers when released

[ratskinner]

How do you adjust them while it in the machine?

[Lavoy]

Can't be done.
Lavoy

[ratskinner]

This is my first crawler .I have a repair manual and it says nothing about adjusting the presser plate .I wish now I would have got on the internet more.
So I am going to have to take it the final drive back off and adjust them. is they away I can adjust them with out the gauge I see on the net ?
Also I am got for sure the fingers can not be touching the throw out any.

[Lavoy]

Clutch adjustment directions did not appear in service manual til the 350 came out. For all earlier crawlers is came out in a service bulletin that unfortunately the general public never sees. It is however posted in the FAQ's section here.
No, you need the gauge, but they are only $25 and work for engine clutch as well as steering all the way to 350.
Lavoy

[Lavoy]

Just read you post on YT, my additional bet is that depending on who you bought the discs from, you have the wrong discs.
Lavoy

[Paul Buhler]

Just helped a friend adjust his steering clutch plate fingers. A thin 7/16" wrench is needed to adjust the bolt up and down to move the fingers. I found that grinding down a "yard sale" open end wrench worked well. The jam nut is 1/2" and a common open end wrench fits fine. Paul

[Lavoy]

Years ago when still in the automotive world, I stepped into the MAC Tools truck, and there were these thin little open wrenches. In the old days, they would have been called a tappet wrench probably. Bought three of them on the spot, still using them to this day. They do have a little grinder modification to them, so assuming my warranty is void.
Lavoy

[Paul Buhler]

On a few of my modified tools, I have a tape label describing what they were reworked to fit because it might be years before I need that configuration again, and with my memory...
I still have a homemade puller from the late 60s that I used for valve lifters that are supposed to be removable with a magnet, but aren't. You never know when it will be repurposed again.