VL Trans rebuild

[Grumpa]

Installed a new bushing and used a parallel hone IMG_2347.jpgIMG_2348.jpgIMG_2350.jpg shell runout check tomorrow, stay tuned. Pretty much has to be better than it was before. I actually dialed in the shell closer than the above post, down to +/- .008" but it went from being 180 degrees high and low to 90 degrees, at which point I stopped having no idea how to deal with it.

[Grumpa]

Okay after eliminating all variables, it came down to the clutch hub/shell. The shell itself is flat within <.001" yet it's still off because of the hub. I got it dialed down to +/- .017 (.034 total) which I'm not happy with but I will deal IMG_2369.jpg. Better than the .080" runout before.

[Grumpa]

At long last this tranny is together, before and after pics: IMG_1883 (1).jpgIMG_2378.jpgIMG_1884.jpgIMG_2379.jpg The clutch shell run out ended up being +/- .010", at least I know what I have to replace. Made mistakes, learned a lot and basically had a blast.

[Steve Slocombe]

Nice job Grumpa and it's always good to find a box with the cast ear intact. The VL three speed gearbox is a little old fashioned, dating back to 1915, but it sure is a robust, well designed, and long lasting unit. Don't forget to mark on the calendar that it will need more work in about 50 years time.

[Guest]

Thanks Grumpa for sharing your build. I have mine almost finished and you were very helpful. Thanks again.

[Grumpa]

I have mine almost finished …

Well here's a tip to pass on that I'm hopefully not too late in posting Dusty; this just in from the one step forward two steps back department. On installation I was having trouble with the shifter tower IMG_2401.jpg It seems I failed to read Steve's note (page 98 4th edition or 13-7 in the 6th) "...point rather than flat towards the front...or shifter will be out 30 degrees..." Trans comp.jpg

[Grumpa]

I had a 50-50 shot at getting it right, story of my life lmao IMG_2407.JPG wrong.jpg Hopefully this will help someone else out.IMG_2408 correct.jpg

[Guest]

Well Grumpa I did see that in the book but that didn’t stop me from making other mistakes. I finally replaced the main shaft which I should have done in the begining. Now everything is turning smoothly. I’m anxious to see how it shifts once I get all that linkage hooked up. Happy New Year!

[Steve Slocombe]

We've all been there, and also chosen the wrong 50/50 way of assembling the VL clutch. There were no shop manuals on the VLs so a lot was left to the experience of the mechanics. Shop Dope 92 of 14 Dec 1931 says just 24 men will be instructed this winter at the Mechanics School starting at the factory 11 Jan 1932. Where room and board could be arranged for $9 a week...

[26fhead]

Steve,
What is the correct way to assemble the clutch?

Thanks Steve

[Grumpa]

What is the correct way to assemble the clutch?

26fhead,
I'm taking the liberty to post these pictures which might help The outboard looking in IMG_2413.jpg The side IMG_2414.jpg Inboard looking out IMG_2415.jpg and the hardware order IMG_2417.jpg. If pictures of anything else would help, let me know.

[Steve Slocombe]

Yup, that's it, you don't want to have a clutch spring over one of those three posts sticking out from the drive disc.

[26fhead]

Grumpa,

Thank You very much the pictures help, also thanks for taking the time to post them.

Steve

[Grumpa]

Not that it isn't possible to put the spring on the post: Bad VL clutch springs.jpg some of the springs may fit. But if you flip the assembly over you can see how you want the spring sector under the 2505-30 clutch actuating plate leg: IMG_2416_LI.jpg

[26fhead]

Grumpa,

If you still have that clutch apart can you tell me the height or overall lenght of the springs? Don't bother taking it back apart because I don't want to be a pain.
Thanks again for all the pictures and your time!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve