CA Hand Clutch Repair

The hand clutch in my CA won't disengage. This happened shortly after I'd rebuilt it about 10 years ago. I'm hoping to get into it this winter and find the issue. I've read through the Knowledge section post on rebuilding the clutch - some terrific information there. But I'm looking for help with two things:

Edited by Dave(inMA) - 19 Feb 2019 at 3:26pm

Thanks, Jim. I'll hunt that link down!!

Transmission pilot shaft lacking lubrication in the engine flywheel will keep the clutch from effectively disengaging. Throwout bearing broken can keep it from pushing the clutch plate disengaging mechanism. Lack of push on the throwout bearing can keep it from working. E.g. too much free play for the clutch arm.

Gerald J.

A stuck hand clutch may be caused by corrosion between the friction and pressure plates. Chain the tractor to a tree or other immovable object, hold the hand clutch back, and with tractor in 3rd or 4th gear move it against the tree. Be careful so you don't tip over. If this don't work, you may need to remove the clutch pack to free it up.
To remove the clutch pack: Jack up and support the rear of the tractor and remove the final (you should remove the tire, fender, fender support, rock shaft, and brake linkage 1st). Use a hoist/cherry picker to remove the final. The inner pinion shaft may come out with the final, or it may remain engaged with the tranny. You need to pull the inner pinion shaft out of the clutch pack. the clutch pack is on the outer pinion shaft, It is held by a half moon key. If cant be removed by pulling out by hand try using 2 large pry bars thru the final windows (after squirting panther pi$$ on the shaft and/ot emory the protruding end of the outer pinion shaft). If it still resistant, you may need to use a large chisel and hammer to be a "wedge" by placing the chisel point in the gap between the clutch pack and the outer pinion. Patience and persistence is the key.
Whe removed, try pressing the clutch pack open under a shop press. If does not work disassemble it and reassemble after cleaning it up. I use a little neversieze to lubricate the release balls and their concave discs. Be sure to check the gap between the friction and pressure plates after assy; the gap should be minimal (I set mine at 0.020 inch). Check the knowledge base section for the article on rebuilding the clutch pack on how to adjust the gap. Install the clutch pack on the outer pinion shaft and insert the inner pinion shaft into the tranny before re-installing the final. You may want to have a spare inner pinion seal available just in case you damage the existing one during reassembly. After final is on adjust the gap between the clutch pack and the clutch actuator to approx. 0.040 in by turning the cog with a pry bar or screw driver.   

Edited by GregLawlerMinn - 23 Feb 2019 at 11:57am

Dave. Don't try to "snap" it free-take up the slack and then engage the engine clutch until the engine dies or the hand clutch frees up.

An update: I can't move the hand clutch handle at all. I'm guessing that the two plates are rusted together...... I'll try the chain-it-to-a-tree method once I get the foot brake issue solved (see CA Brake Mystery).