Model A with multiple disk clutch

[J Wade]

I just bought a Model A, and I am learning a lot. The previous owner had started to overhaul the engine, and several parts are missing. It has the multiple disk clutch. It all seems to be there but since I have the motor out should I convert it to a modern clutch. I need the starter also. Looking forward to working on it but I want to keep it as original as possible. Thanks for your input.

[Mike V. Florida]

The problem with the multi disk clutch is that the disks are no longer made and replacements are few and far between.

Here is a previous discussion you may find useful;

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96081

[J Wade]

Thank you. now I have to figure out where to get the parts. I wonder if there is a kit for this

[Tom Wesenberg]

If the flywheel and clutch discs are good I'd keep the multiplate. You have to look at the splines in the flywheel. If they have deep notches, then the clutch discs can hang up in them. I found a mint flywheel and clutch to use in my 28. I like to keep them as original as possible also.

BTW, if you go to the single plate clutch, you will need everything from the flywheel up to the U-joint, which also includes the clutch and brake pedals.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

If the flywheel and clutch discs are good I'd keep the multiplate. You have to look at the splines in the flywheel. If they have deep notches, then the clutch discs can hang up in them. I found a mint flywheel and clutch to use in my 28. I like to keep them as original as possible also.

BTW, if you go to the single plate clutch, you will need everything from the flywheel up to the U-joint, which also includes the clutch and brake pedals.

I once used a bell housing from a multi plate clutch when converting a car to RHD. It had a single plate clutch in it. It caused no dramas, just a LITTLE thought and modification.

[J Wade]

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Her guys thanks for the input My flywheel splines look great with no groves so I guess don't fix it if it's not broke. I don't have a starter, and have been told that the 5/8" shaft will and won't work ??? Also forgive the ignorance but what does all of these abbreviations mean. BTW RHD Btt. Thanks for being patient

[Tom Wesenberg]

BTW .......By the way

BTT.........back to top

RHD.........right hand drive.........as in England

For the multiplate flywheel you will need the correct 1/2" starter with the ABELL drive, or the service replacement drive.

[J Wade]

Thanks I feel dumb, but I'm learning

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by J Wade

starter... have been told that the 5/8" shaft will and won't work ....

Can someone elaborate on this- I'm replacing the starter ring gear on my multiplate and the starter looks like a "standard" A starter... Is there a problem with this? (I guess it's about 28 years since the starter ring gear was last replaced)

[Tom Wesenberg]

The bolts on the starter bendix spring are the problem. The bolt head near the drive pinion will hit the flywheel and something will have to give. You can have the flywheel cut down to match the outside diameter of the single plate flywheel if you really want to use a 5/8" starter.

The 1/2" service drive has a small notch and a headless bolt on the pinion end of the spring, and this gives the needed clearance.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here is a service drive.

[J Wade]

I want to keep my A as close to original as possible to original but with 1/2 " shaft starters being harder to find and the bendix being even harder, is there any downside to having the flywheel cut down and the single plate ring gear installed. Especially since I have the flywheel out.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by J Wade

I want to keep my A as close to original as possible to original but with 1/2 " shaft starters being harder to find and the bendix being even harder, is there any downside to having the flywheel cut down and the single plate ring gear installed. Especially since I have the flywheel out.

The ring gears are the same. Cutting off just enough for the starter drive to clear should be a problem, just be sure it's balanced again. The ring gears are the same for all A's

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

BTW .......By the way

BTT.........back to top

RHD.........right hand drive.........as in England

For the multiplate flywheel you will need the correct 1/2" starter with the ABELL drive, or the service replacement drive.

The split between right and left hand drive cars world wide is pretty close to 50/50 according to something I read a little while ago. Up till 1909, even the US was RHD.

[Dave in MN]

[QUOTE=Mike V. Florida;1038641]The problem with the multi disk clutch is that the disks are no longer made and replacements are few and far between.


You can send your discs to Fort Wayne Clutch (FWC) in Indiana. They relined some for me about 5 years ago and did an excellent job. If you need some discs, PM me, as I have a stack of them waiting for someone in need.

The link below is for FWC.
Good Day!

http://www.fortwayneclutch.com/

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by J Wade

Thanks I feel dumb, but I'm learning

For the intelligent, the feeling doesn't pass, even if the name does.

"The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." ~ Einstein

Joe K