weak right steering clutch on 350

[Jim B]

I am going to say you do not want to mess with the finger adjustment in place, if you can even get to them.

Most anything could have or not been done in the past. What you posted says there are many unknowns of what exactly was replaced before and if the work was done completely and correctly. My though is not what you want to hear, however the only way you can get to the bottom of the issues is to tear it down check and replace parts as needed, reassemble and adjust properly.

[dabear3428]

I am going to say you do not want to mess with the finger adjustment in place, if you can even get to them.

Most anything could have or not been done in the past. What you posted says there are many unknowns of what exactly was replaced before and if the work was done completely and correctly. My though is not what you want to hear, however the only way you can get to the bottom of the issues is to tear it down check and replace parts as needed, reassemble and adjust properly.

you are correct, my conundrum is it works now so do i break into it now and do the right side, do both, or run it as is and see what it does. If i pull it apart i would replace all the consumable wear parts (clutches, steels, pressure plates, brake bands, seals etc), as it is, it works, it is just that i can tell that the right side is weaker but not weak enough to make it un-useful as is. i guess what i'm asking is do i risk turning this in to a very expensive fix (more that the plan to replace all the consumable wear parts involved) by running it? also is there a chance that the clutches will wear in?

[dabear3428]

also how often do these clutches go out?

[Jason37756]

You’ll fight with those clutches until the day you quit using the dozer. As least that’s been my experience.

I really don’t know how long the clutches would last…hours would be the measurement used to determine their life span, but they’re so many variables it’s hard to say how many hours a set will last.

I don’t think you will wear a properly adjusted set out anytime soon. These 350 machines simply do not see the usage of a more powerful and modern machine. Now depending on how you brake your machine (all in or slightly in) that will determine life span. You’ll get better blade control if you slightly pull the control arm, but the clutches and brake band are working overtime to allow the machine to slightly turn as you push.

I always try to tell myself it’s a steering clutch and not to be used as a finishing tool to make the dirt fall nicely…in other words when I pull the control arm I pull it all the way…this results in less clutch wear and brake wear because the brake band is not grabbing while the disks are engaged…all in or all out.

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

My Dad's 1958 420c had the clutches done when he bought it in 1966. It was used heavily for the next 20 years when we had to do them again. It had been used lightly after than and never needed them done again. It didn't have a hour meter, so I can only go by the number of years.

So, a dry clutch 350 ought to do about the same. A wet clutch version would go far longer.

Stan

[Lavoy]

Unless you are mak8ng a 80 hour a week living with it, a new set of clutches should last your lifetime and beyond. Soooo, how l9ng do you want to be irritated by the clutch/clutches? If you're going to own it long term, fix it once, fix it right and be done with it.
There is nothing that can be done to the pressure plate successfully with the final drive attached.
I keep all of the rebuild parts on hand, it's not rocket science.
Lavoy