1917 Model T ****** problems

[mav.garon]

Inherited a Model T from family and am currently attempting to get it running. The engine and ****** are the only true remaining barriers to operation. The ****** appears very clean, oiled and assembled in the correct order.

We currently are having trouble getting the ****** to disengage the engine and rear end.

We have tried isolating the problem by:
1) checking to ensure all the bands are disengaged, then -
2) applying pressure via a pinbar in order to force the clutch to disengage

No matter what we do, the engine always turns over when we turn the back wheels.

It is worth noting that the unit was inherited from a very mechanically inclined uncle who took great care of his automobiles. The model T was actually a complete restoration he was working on before he passed.
He mentioned being annoyed because he forgot something in the assembly of the transmission that would cause it to be stuck in gear.

Does anyone have an idea of what could be missing in the Trannsmission assembly that would cause our current dilema? Any ideas or suggestions to further trouble shooting would be very helpful and appreciated.

 

[redmodelt]

Read this.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/8538.html
It will give you a lot of information for the new T owner. Ignore any thing about using the reverse pedal for a brake. After you read it will help with using the correct terms for any question you may have and will help understand how the T works which is not like other cars.
Any time you want to use low, reverse or the brake the clutch will or needs to be in neutral. The only time the clutch is engaged is in high. When you pull back on the parking brake lever it has two functions, straight up and down (watch the low pedal it should move about half way down) puts the clutch in neutral and all the way back keeps the clutch in neutral and set the parking brakes.

 

[tmodelman]

Check first that the clutch release lever is actually pushing back and compressing the clutch spring. You can check by looking into the inspection hole on the transmission cover (hogshead). When pulled back, the lever should compress the spring, and the clutch fingers will be loose. That will relieve the 100 lbs. spring pressure on the clutch discs.

The T isn't known for a 'neutral', as those clutch discs can be stuck together with old oil or junk.

If the fingers are 'loose', and the discs won't free up on their own now with now, then maybe something is assembled wrong. Sometimes the push ring is assembled wrong, and the 3 pins that the fingers push on are stuck, that will hold the clutch discs together. Or many other reasons, but to fix, the engine must be pulled and disassembled.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Follow TMMs advice! Consider the clutchs' 21 plates have to share 1/4" of travel between all of them for a neutral. They are probably just stuck from sitting. ws

 

[mav.garon]

Thank you very much, this is exactly what I needed. Cheers