WHAT CAUSES CLUTCH PACKS TO BURN UP?
There are various reasons why an industrial transmission's clutches burn up. We have attempted to list the most common.
LACK OF LUBRICATIONLook for a kink in a line, a collapsed filter, or low fluid level.
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INCHING (OR CLUTCH CUT-OFF) IMPROPERLY ADJUSTEDThe creeper pedal applies the clutches. This causes the unit to creep forward (or backward). If the pedal does not return to the proper point, the clutches will remain on, creating heat and friction.
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STEEL SEPARATOR PLATES THAT SHOW HOT SPOTSThis may be caused by warpage or distortion, incorrect loading of curved discs or pistons, the wrong thickness of plates, or incorrect pack clearance.
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INCORRECT ASSEMBLY OF CLUTCH PACK
Re-manufacture with new clutch plates and seal rings.
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FLUID THAT HAS BROKEN DOWN OR IS CONTAMINATEDThe contaminants may be embedded in the clutch plates or may have constricted oil passages.
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SHIFTING CREATES HEATIf the clutch packs are applied during an open throttle shift, the heat is even greater. So heat distress can occur if the operator must shift frequently, or fails to stop between directional changes.
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IF THE ENGINE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN THE DESIGN OF THE CONVERTER AND THE TRANSMISSION.The clutch packs will suffer from the over-torquing of the power train.
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Solutions
1. Change the fluid. Change the filter. Make certain the fluid you use is the proper type for this style transmission.
2. Check the control valve. A faster shift may reduce the heat in the packs. Make certain no plungers are sticking. Check the spring tension.
3. In extreme cases, increasing the number of clutch plates or the thickness of the steel separators may extend the life of the pack.
4. Remanufacturing the complete assembly is the most effective means of dealing with a clutch pack problem. Make certain to remanufacture the torque converter.
5. A talk with the operator regarding the driving habits and the method of operation may be in order.
2. Check the control valve. A faster shift may reduce the heat in the packs. Make certain no plungers are sticking. Check the spring tension.
3. In extreme cases, increasing the number of clutch plates or the thickness of the steel separators may extend the life of the pack.
4. Remanufacturing the complete assembly is the most effective means of dealing with a clutch pack problem. Make certain to remanufacture the torque converter.
5. A talk with the operator regarding the driving habits and the method of operation may be in order.
American Industrial Transmission 2016 ©