JCB 3c Mk2 clutch

[Revon]

Hi all, got a JCB mk2 with failed clutch, release levers all torn up. I've ordered the complete clutch kit from Vicary which has the 4 paddle clutch plate which I think is used on the 3cMk3. Does anybody know if this is compatible with the mk2, or will I need to source a 12 or 20 paddle clutch plate? I haven't removed the old clutch assembly yet so can't tell what is in it.

Thanks

[Billy26F5]

You should never order anything till you know what's in there. Depends on engine number, they changed at 4/98NT/build code/4670. Charnleys should have the earlier one if needed.
Sandy

[Revon]

Thanks Sandy, I wouldn't normally order parts ahead but the JCB is over an hour away and I can only visit at the weekend. I wanted to get the job done in one visit, and Vicary agreed to take it back if it was incorrect. I hadn't come across Charnleys when I searched for JCB clutch, they seem to be more tractor focussed and being new to JCBs I wasn't sure enough to know which tractor it was based on. I haven't found the engine number plate on the engine yet, only have Engine number '9483' from the chassis plate. Chassis is 3C 101760 which I think puts it around 1972? Tractor s/n is 3843-175475. The ceramic 4 plate kit all fitted ok. Only difference was the kit came with a spigot bearing for the fly wheel, but mine uses a bush. Charnleys have the bush. I didn't quite get finished before the dark and rain stopped play. Charnleys info suggests the 4 plate can fail prematurely and offer a 6 plate ceramic alternative. Hope they mean it lasts 10000 hours instead of 20000, and not 200 hours! Might end up fitting that one next time. There appears to be 2 different friction plate thicknesses based on Charnleys info so matching the pressure plate is important.
thanks again.
Steve

[Billy26F5]

It's actually the toggle lever adjustment that needs changing for thicker linings (some tractors got round that by using spacers and longer bolts, but don't think you'll get away with that here). Your serial number is late mid 73, tractor number will be 384B/1/175475, on the LH Nuffield side channel top, engine number will be on top of the block RH side under injector no 4, the bit on the id plate is however the bit that tells it's newer than when they changed the clutch parts. There's also a gearboxnumber, on the rear RH flange below the seat, starting 10B. Charnleys have the Nuffield designs, so are a better source for Nuffield spares, except those which JCB replaced with their own where Vicary come in handy too. Those bronze pilot bearings have a good reputation, once removed they can't be reused. Most modern parts are poorer quality than original ones.
Sandy

[Revon]

Thanks for the great information, I'll have another look for all the numbers at the weekend. You are correct about the chassis number starting 384B but no sign of the /1/ on the plate near the step. I'll check the chassis rail - maybe they left that out on the stamped plate? I've found Vicary very helpful, but good to know Charnleys as an alternative for whatever is needed next. I've left the bronze bush in situ as it appeared ok.

Steve

[Billy26F5]

JCB omitted much of the Nuffield numbers on many machines (on the id plates), they were better on torque converter machines (Brockhouse type), I think later ones were also better.
Sandy

[Revon]

For anyone coming across this thread in the future Sandy is correct that the toggle levers need adjusting. I've just about got away with not adjusting them trying to avoid pulling everything out again to make the adjustment, but it is clear it is on the edge and needs doing properly. Asking myself why I started this in mid winter.

[Billy26F5]

Looks like you've been lucky, definitely important to do if a clutch is taken apart.
Sandy