Help on clutch install on a L3130

VT digger

New member

Equipment
2003 Grand L 3130 GST
Apr 26, 2021
12
0
1
Berlin VT
After waiting 2 months for a tractor mechanic I took on the clutch replacement on myself. I built a splitting rack and set up numerous jacks. My issue is getting it back together. I am all lined up with an inch or so to go. The alignment tool had one spline for the disk. . I pressed a socket on the end so the flywheel was snug. It appears the flywheel and clutch disc splines move independently. I turn the engine at the front as I go, I have a bolt on each side started. As I tighten them they get tighter and I the cannot turn the engine. Any advice would be appreciated. Another question is the orientation of the disc. I have a WSM and see no illustrations and had no luck with the parts PDF or with Goggle. I called the supplier and was told on a flat fly wheel the hub side faces the transmission. This does look correct but I wanted to get another opinion.I have done many clutch installs on muscle cars but they have a pilot shaft and one spline.
 

Motion

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota MX5100HST/FEL
Aug 17, 2020
540
302
63
Mandeville Louisiana
As always do as you feel is best. I not familiar with you tractor but when reattaching these type of components alignment is very critical. I'd suggest making multiple pilot studs of the correct size in order to guild the parts together. It's not good practice to use bolts to pull it in which can cause serious problems. Just my .02
 
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Tx Jim

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
M7040 HDC-1,JD 4255,Ford 6700
Apr 30, 2013
1,202
128
63
Coyote Flats,Texas
Don't exert but very limited amount of pressure on bolts when attempting to rejoin tractor halves. These halves must be finessed together while turning engine flywheel & rocking rear tires. If too much pressure is applied clutch disks can be warped causing tractor to require another split. Exhibit extreme patience! BTDT many times
 

VT digger

New member

Equipment
2003 Grand L 3130 GST
Apr 26, 2021
12
0
1
Berlin VT
Don't exert but very limited amount of pressure on bolts when attempting to rejoin tractor halves. These halves must be finessed together while turning engine flywheel & rocking rear tires. If too much pressure is applied clutch disks can be warped causing tractor to require another split. Exhibit extreme patience! BTDT many times
I separated it this morning just a matter of raising the dash and securing it again. I am fabricating a 2 spline alignment tool to replicate the transmission. I will post pics when done of the splitting rack I made. I tried all my old tricks but was not sure if the GTS transmission shaft would turn with the rear wheels. I put it in gear and tried. I can verify that now. I made a wood spacer and tried releasing some clutch plate pressure and rotated the engine. I suspect that the 2 splines where not in alignment and had no way to correct that with out full clutch release which I could not achieve. I found it to be straight forward and found most of my weight and balance fears where unfounded. I had many jacks and jack stands set up to make adjustments. The disk can only go one way. I had already remove all the metal and get looking over and saw a bare transmission ready to unbolt and decided what the hell I am tired of waiting and have 2 ponds to do.
 

VT digger

New member

Equipment
2003 Grand L 3130 GST
Apr 26, 2021
12
0
1
Berlin VT
I separated it this morning just a matter of raising the dash and securing it again. I am fabricating a 2 spline alignment tool to replicate the transmission. I will post pics when done of the splitting rack I made. I tried all my old tricks but was not sure if the GTS transmission shaft would turn with the rear wheels. I put it in gear and tried. I can verify that now. I made a wood spacer and tried releasing some clutch plate pressure and rotated the engine. I suspect that the 2 splines where not in alignment and had no way to correct that with out full clutch release which I could not achieve. I found it to be straight forward and found most of my weight and balance fears where unfounded. I had many jacks and jack stands set up to make adjustments. The disk can only go one way. I had already remove all the metal and get looking over and saw a bare transmission ready to unbolt and decided what the hell I am tired of waiting and have 2 ponds to do.
 

VT digger

New member

Equipment
2003 Grand L 3130 GST
Apr 26, 2021
12
0
1
Berlin VT
I appreciated your advice the rear wheels do spin the shaft, very slowly. I got it together but disappointed to find I lost the throw out after testing for about 10 minutes of every thing working. I fear I did not tighten the throw out shaft planning to torque it. I abandoned the torque wrench after tightening the pressure plate because of distrust of the wrench. Being a GST I can use it as long as I have a clutch. But it is awkward. I will split it again next month. Looks like I damaged the front drive shaft seal will address that as well as I discovered oil dripping out of the water release. On a good note I verified the GST system works fine, which was my biggest fear. I would have been more than happy to pay the pro. I can a least do it now in a fraction of the time and have no fear. I also do not have a 3500 pound anchor in my shop.