Pulled the hand clutch from the CA today, it is well lubricated

The surprising thing is that the clutch wasn't slipping and seemed to function correctly in all respects. Granted, we never worked it very hard either; this is the tractor that I purchased earlier this year for cheap and have been tinkering on ever since.

The main clutch is worn out so we have it split and both final drives are off; an unrelated semi-emergency developed with my Son-in-law's truck that requires shop space so the CA is now shoved to the side for the duration.

Chaimers wrote: If you have it tore down that far did you give it any thought about putting the hand clutch on the left side? I feel it should have been over there from factory. JMO

Yup, as a matter of fact, Grandson and I have already made that decision in order to be able to run the hydraulics at the same time as releasing the hand clutch. Not quite sure what we will use to steer with, knees, perhaps?

rilenz wrote: I always wanted to move the clutch to the other side. But didn't think it was possible . Is it a real problem or more or less switching axle and clutch parts side to side?

We have yet to complete this project, but I have read several threads about this, and all indications that I can see since opening up the tractor appear to be 'just' a matter of switching components. "Nuthin' to it but to do it"

I fully intend to post updates as we make progress.

I opened up the Lambert clutch today, at a bare minimum it is in need of new clutch linings, re-surfacing the pressure plates would probably be advisable. Also, the brake drum surface is heavily worn.

I am open to suggestions

If he won't I could reline your disc. 

Thanks Paul, I may need to take you up on that offer, Rick was pretty adamant when announced that he was quitting the clutch business.

rilenz wrote: Hey Les according to a fellow on here he used a piece of DOM pipe

That would likely be the easiest way to facilitate sleeving.

rilenz wrote: will definitely be on the lookout for your progress and hopefully attempt the task after the winter plowing I do with my ac ca

Well, I am somewhat sad to announce that we will NOT be moving the hand clutch to the left side at this time

The reason is economic rather than technical, to wit: In order to move the clutch to the other side requires pulling or pressing the brake drum from the pinion shaft; my brake drum is serviceable and there is no leaking of gear lube from the outboard side.

I don't have a suitable puller for the task, and having it pressed off would mean taking it to a press.

After researching this it also seems that there is a high probability of breaking the brake drum in the process due to the relative brittleness of the drum and the fact that they have been stuck on there for well over half a century.

This is a risk I choose not to take at this time. If the brake drum were in need of replacing I would just cut it out of there and be done with it.

Sorry to have disappointed you.

Ken Mn wrote: Les: I have had the hand clutch out of my 1953 CA a few times and did not have to press or pull anything off. There is a key way on the shaft that goes to the final drive and a splined shaft from the differential into the clutch unit. I have always left the shaft in the differential and removed the clutch assembly from it.

Yup.

Reckon I wasn't clear in my post; it is the other side that would need pressed out in order to swap the hand clutch to the left-hand side.

I have had the hand clutch out, rebuilt it, and now it has been re-installed on the original side.

SteveM C/IL wrote: I don't know these tractors. I assumed you just swapped axle hsg side to side and clutch went with it.

That would be too easy!

The CA housings are definitely not ambidextrous because they angle down and backward to increase the overall length of the wheelbase rather than being straight down like the B's and C's, plus the hole where the clutch actuator lever goes in is toward the front (there is one on each side).

While the housings were off I was able to peek inside at the differential gears, they appear to be virtually pristine; I also took the transmission side cover off and those gears are in excellent shape as well. This tractor looks like it has led a relatively easy life.

We originally split this tractor to fix a leaky rear main seal and replace the slipping clutch. I pulled the flywheel yesterday and there is no evidence of a seal of any kind having ever been in there The groove in the seal retainer is clean and completely empty. I have seen a seal missing a chunk of cork on my Model C but this is a new one for me. It really didn't leak any worse than the one with the chunk of cork missing though.

You lucky dog!! 

rilenz wrote: Sorry to hear you are not moving your hand clutch. But my next ? is did any CA's come with the lever on the left side and if not was it terribly difficult to move.

I have read that some were shipped on the left side but I have no proof.

The only thing that kept me from doing the swap is the fact that I was too chicken to attempt pressing the brake drum off of the left-hand shaft. There is truly no reason this swap cannot be accomplished though as long as you are willing to do the complete disassembly of both sides, then swap them.

The operating handle may need some modification (bending?) as it will point the wrong way.