The Ford Barn

4tford · 02-08-2015, 09:53 AM

I have saved a bunch of pressure plates and would like to use some of them from time to time. How often do these need anything more than refacing. I can get them refaced here in town for a reasonable fee but anything more they need to be sent away which really raises the cost tremendously. Is there a visual check one can make to weed out bad ones. Thanks Bill

4tford · 02-08-2015, 01:53 PM

Anyone?

Terry,OH · 02-08-2015, 02:16 PM

You can do a visual inspection of the springs and look for cracks, make sure the arms move properly and return. BUT this will not tell you if the pressure plate needs to be balanced, which most do, or if the pressure plate is warped.

Pete · 02-08-2015, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4tford

I have saved a bunch of pressure plates and would like to use some of them from time to time. How often do these need anything more than refacing. I can get them refaced here in town for a reasonable fee but anything more they need to be sent away which really raises the cost tremendously. Is there a visual check one can make to weed out bad ones. Thanks Bill

Visual is ok for finding obvious faults. It won't tell you if there is a weak spring or any cracks in the arms or cover. Only magnafluxing will do that.
A single weak spring can cause chatter. Springs can be checked in the same press you check valve springs in.
A fairly simple setup can be made to check assembled covers for total pressure. It involves a hydraulic jack, a home made "C" frame and a 5000 lb hydraulic gauge..

When replacing a cover, it should always be balanced to the flywheel it runs on.
Oh, and one big thing, NO WELDING on the cover to balance it.

Kube · 02-08-2015, 07:28 PM

Pete covered this fairly well. One thing I'd like to add... the height of the three "fingers" to the face of the plate must be within a specified distance. This specification is measured with the plate compressed.
MANY so called "rebuilders" don't bother with this height and guess what? If it is too shallow, you will NOT get proper free play... not even close.
My .02¢? To replace a clutch in one of our old Fords is a five hour job if you are experienced. Personally, not a job I'd try to save a few bucks on.

trainguy · 02-08-2015, 09:20 PM

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Clutches are such a PIA to install, why would you screw around with questionable pressure plates.I have 3 words of advice FORT WAYNE CLUTCH!!!!! Phil

4tford · 02-08-2015, 09:57 PM

Thanks guys, I would love to deal with Ft. Wayne but it all revolves around dollars. The 200 dollar clutch and disc they have costs me about 400 dollar Canadian by the time it reaches my door.

trainguy · 02-09-2015, 05:49 AM

[QUOTE=4tford;1030280]Thanks guys, I would love to deal with Ft. Wayne but it all revolves around dollars. The 200 dollar clutch and disc they have costs me about 400 dollar Canadian by the time it reaches my door

Wow!!

02-08-2015, 09:53 AM	#1
4tford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Regina Canada Posts: 1,337	pressure plates I have saved a bunch of pressure plates and would like to use some of them from time to time. How often do these need anything more than refacing. I can get them refaced here in town for a reasonable fee but anything more they need to be sent away which really raises the cost tremendously. Is there a visual check one can make to weed out bad ones. Thanks Bill Last edited by 4tford; 02-08-2015 at 10:35 AM.

02-08-2015, 01:53 PM	#2
4tford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Regina Canada Posts: 1,337	Re: pressure plates Anyone?

02-08-2015, 02:16 PM	#3
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,187	Re: pressure plates You can do a visual inspection of the springs and look for cracks, make sure the arms move properly and return. BUT this will not tell you if the pressure plate needs to be balanced, which most do, or if the pressure plate is warped.

02-08-2015, 07:28 PM	#5
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,852	Re: pressure plates Pete covered this fairly well. One thing I'd like to add... the height of the three "fingers" to the face of the plate must be within a specified distance. This specification is measured with the plate compressed. MANY so called "rebuilders" don't bother with this height and guess what? If it is too shallow, you will NOT get proper free play... not even close. My .02¢? To replace a clutch in one of our old Fords is a five hour job if you are experienced. Personally, not a job I'd try to save a few bucks on. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

02-08-2015, 09:20 PM	#6
trainguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lehighton Pa Posts: 1,085	Re: pressure plates Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Clutches are such a PIA to install, why would you screw around with questionable pressure plates.I have 3 words of advice FORT WAYNE CLUTCH!!!!! Phil

02-08-2015, 09:57 PM	#7
4tford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Regina Canada Posts: 1,337	Re: pressure plates Thanks guys, I would love to deal with Ft. Wayne but it all revolves around dollars. The 200 dollar clutch and disc they have costs me about 400 dollar Canadian by the time it reaches my door.

02-09-2015, 05:49 AM	#8
trainguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lehighton Pa Posts: 1,085	Re: pressure plates [QUOTE=4tford;1030280]Thanks guys, I would love to deal with Ft. Wayne but it all revolves around dollars. The 200 dollar clutch and disc they have costs me about 400 dollar Canadian by the time it reaches my door Wow!!