460 clutch adjustment

Since you were not able to get it to release when first installed, like the tractor vet said, you have one of two problems, installed backwards, or the disc was bent on installation.

The clutch cover assemblies coming from Hy-Capacity are adjusted in a jig that results in the lever height being correct within a couple of thousands of an inch, much more accurate than you are going to be able to accomplish in the tractor. You can probably get the levers set close enough to give you good service, but first you have to determine the reason it will not release. Since you ar sure that it did not bind up while assembling, then the most likely cause is the disk is in backwards. That has to be corrected before you can make any accurate adjustments.

When assembling the clutch to the tractor, on those models with independent PTO and that have a large enough hole in the bottom of the clutch housing, it is easier to put the clutch assembly on the input shafts and slide the tractor together. Then, going through the bottom hole, bolt the clutch cover to the flywheel.

Check the disc in the flywheel before assembling. When installed correctly there must be some clearence between the front of the disk and the crankshaft retaining bolts. If not, either the disc is in backwards or the flywheel is worn out.

To adjust the release levers while installed, get one lever as close as you can. Adjust the release bearing until you have .030 clearance. (It doesn't make any difference what the thickness is but you said that was your largest feeler gauge. I usually use a piece of keystock.) The adjust the other two levers until they are all the same. With the engine running, move the release bearing forward enough to make sure the bearing is turning. The bearing should not be wobbling. If it is you need to do a little more adjusting.

The reason the thickness of feeler gauge makes no difference is because we have no way of knowing how far the release bearing is from the correct specification. That is why when the clutch is out you need to get the levers set as close as posible.

If your clutch has the adjustment screws on the inside end of the levers, the screws should be close to centered in the levers. If the adjustment screws are on the outside end, then you need to adjust the levers until they are parallel with the flywheel surface when the clutch is assembled. Once you have this initial setting you can assemble the tractor.

For the final setting, to get the lever adjustment the same on all three levers, you set the distance to the release bearing. For me it works best to use a piece of keystock. It is longer and does not bend like a feeler gauge if you are a little tight. Just adjust the release bearing until the gauge is a slip fit between the bearing and the lever you are staring with. When you get the bearing adjusted to a slip fit, turn the engine and adjust the other two levers until they have the same fit. When all the levers are the same you can then adjust the bearing so that there is one inch free travel at the clutch pedal.