Clutch replacement, flywheel cracks

[Urbish]

I replaced the clutch in my H this weekend. The flywheel is pretty full of tiny little cracks and a few larger ones. I went ahead and installed the clutch, not wanting to get into the larger project of splitting the tractor just yet. I'm not sure how long this will hold up. This tractor is used for cruising the yard, an occasional parade, and infrequent dragging of heavy things that my smaller tractors won't handle. I know that it's relatively common to see this kind of damage to the flywheel surface.

Any suggestions or advice?

[Slim140]

Heat cracks. I've never seen any that big in a flywheel though. You could have it ground and get rid of most of them. No more than you say you use it, it should be good for a while. Was the old one wore really really bad?

[Urbish]

Was the old one wore really really bad?

The old clutch disc was pretty worn, but not as bad as I expected (not down to the rivets). It was slipping more than I was comfortable with when I put it into high gear though. I had a lot of trouble with it when I drove a mile home from town up a long hill while pulling a 1500# parade float this summer. The new one is working great.

[Jim Becker]

With heat enough to do that much damage, the springs in your old pressure plate probably have been overheated as well. Weak springs allow more slippage, resulting in the death spiral. Did you hit the flywheel with some sandpaper to take the shine off or it? (Probably not but it would have helped.) I doubt that it will give you any trouble for a long time.

[Urbish]

Did you hit the flywheel with some sandpaper to take the shine off or it? (Probably not but it would have helped.) I doubt that it will give you any trouble for a long time.

I did not, but I did give it a healthy bath in brake cleaner (what little good that would do...). If it gives me any troubles, I'll remove the clutch again and scuff 'er up.