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KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:11 am
by trebot
Clutch slips when applying full power. What is adjustment procedure? I know you adjust after taking off top cover.

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2019 7:56 am
by Captain Nemo
The adjustment procedure is pretty simple once you’ve done it. The fwd clutch discs are contained in a cylindrical case which is threaded on the back for adjustment. There is a locking bolt on the back that goes into a series of holes. Remove that bolt and turn the back of the case clockwise so the bolt will line up with the next hole or the second.
The shifter handle should take a fair amount of effort to get into fwd with a pronounced “pop”. Same can be said for reverse, the adjustment for that is the band that goes around the clutch case which has a bolt with a locking nut. Pretty straightforward.
Towards the top of the page above the board index there is a quick link to search topics type in “clutch adjustment” there have been some good postings on the subject that will help.

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 7:15 am
by mcashman53
I have the same issue on my 1950 18ft Sportsman. At approximately 2500 rpm, the engine revs high and if falls out of gear. I adjusted the collar clockwise by 1 hole with no difference, 2 holes with nothing and then 3...still no difference, if anything it got worse and only gets to 2000 rpms before disengaging. I tried going one more adjustment hole and the shaft was very hard to turn by hand, so I backed it off by 1 hole. I have noticed there is some "play" at the shift lever attachment....could that have something to do with the issue? Thanks-Mike

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 7:43 am
by Captain Nemo
Cashman, it does sound like there is something going on that is keeping the clutch from staying engaged. I would look closely inside the box to see if something in there has come apart.
Worst case scenario is that the clutch discs are worn out or warped.

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2019 12:00 pm
by Bilge Rat
Cashman (and the original poster)...you're not using a synthetic oil in the engine by chance are you? Synthetics are too slippery for the transmission.

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2019 9:37 am
by mcashman53
No, straight 30W. But thanks. After tightening the adjustment collar 3 holes, I think the forward clutch plate is worn and will need to be replaced. I spoke to Dave at Van Ness Eng. and he offered great advice and confirmed that is most likely the issue. I may use the boat for the remainder of the season and take the transmission off and send it to them for a rebuild. Anyone else have a suggestion on who to use or how to get it fixed without taking it out of the boat? Thanks-Mike

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2019 10:31 am
by Captain Nemo
From what I have heard Dave does great work, highly recommended. The reverse gear will have to be removed to rebuild, not a big deal. You will need to disconnect the shaft and shift linkage. Also the rear engine mounts and jack up the rear of the engine for clearance to slide it off.

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2019 11:39 am
by Bilge Rat
You might be close enough to Van Ness to drive it there but if you have to ship it, build a 3/4" plywood crate for it. It weighs around 80 pounds, which both UPS and Fed Ex will ship but a cardboard box will not protect it enough during transit. I built one to ship mine out for rebuilding and while the crate came back looking like it was shipped around the world twice, the transmission was protected. I included some hand holes on it to make the UPS guy's job easier.

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2019 12:52 pm
by mcashman53
Thanks, that's helpful. I think it might be worth the drive in the long run! Mike

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:41 am
by Tmalko
Captain Nemo wrote:
Fri Aug 02, 2019 7:56 am
The adjustment procedure is pretty simple once you’ve done it. The fwd clutch discs are contained in a cylindrical case which is threaded on the back for adjustment. There is a locking bolt on the back that goes into a series of holes. Remove that bolt and turn the back of the case clockwise so the bolt will line up with the next hole or the second.
The shifter handle should take a fair amount of effort to get into fwd with a pronounced “pop”. Same can be said for reverse, the adjustment for that is the band that goes around the clutch case which has a bolt with a locking nut. Pretty straightforward.
Towards the top of the page above the board index there is a quick link to search topics type in “clutch adjustment” there have been some good postings on the subject that will help.
trebot wrote:
Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:11 am
Clutch slips when applying full power. What is adjustment procedure? I know you adjust after taking off top cover.
Is there a diagram or schematic that shows what you described? Thanks

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2020 11:10 am
by Captain Nemo
I don't know if this attachment works or not.

Re: KL engine clutch adjustment

Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2020 11:20 am
by Tmalko
Captain Nemo wrote:
Sat Apr 18, 2020 11:10 am
Operators Manual for 4 & 6 Cylinder Engines (dragged).pdf
I don't know if this attachment works or not.
[[Captain, Yes, the PDF was readable and downloadable. Thanks very much this was helpful. Appreciate the quick response.
Tom
/quote]