I got my secondary clutch put back together on my Xplorer 300. It seems to move smoothly. I installed those $20 plastic clutch buttons. I think the main problem was the inside was packed full of fuzz which locked the clutch up.
I installed the belt but I think I have way too much slack. I know your supposed to measure the deflection with a ruler at (1 1/8") but just from looking at it, appears there is way more than that. But I'll check this first with a ruler.
Questions:
The manual says to remove shims in the secondary clutch to decrease belt tension. Just like setting the V-belt tension a car with a split crankshaft pulley. Like an old VW or Fiat. If anybody has ever messed with these old cars.
How much does each shim decrease the belt deflection? Quite a bit or just minimal?
Problem is I had to bring the clutch into work just to borrow some snap ring pliers from a mechanic. Mine would not spread wide enough. I even tried using some Knipex snap ring pliers I bought especially to remove a 4" snap ring from a Garrett T25 turbo and it wouldn't work. So I'll either have to borrow some pliers to take home or buy some that will spread wider. Instead of having to lug this thing into work a couple of more times.
And it mentions to leave at least one shim. There are three shims on mine.
The other question is, if removing 2 shims still does not decrease the belt deflection to 1 1/8", can the engine be shifted forward by loosening the engine mounts?
Should I just do this instead of messing with the shims?
Please advise.