Lincoln FOTZ-7B066-B Clutch Pressure Plate

It should be pointed out that the clutch driven disc contains asbestos that is known to cause cancer, therefore it is most unadvisable to clean clutch surfaces with compressed air and should not inhale any dust off such surfaces; as an option; a commercially available brake cleaning fluid may be used. To replace clutch parts on 1983-84 2.0L and 2.3L models first turn off the ignition, and remove the clutch master cylinder from the clutch pedal, then jack up the car and safely support it. Take off the dust shield from the clutch housing, disconnect the hydraulic clutch linkage and taken out the starter as well as the transmission. Locate the assembled position of the pressure plate and the cover on the flywheel and then slacken the bolts of the pressure plate in equal ratio so as to expand the clutch springs and then remove the pressure plate along with its cover and the clutch disc but you may have to replace the pilot bearing also in case it is required. For installation, set the clutch disc on the flywheel with the help of alignment tool, insert the pressure plate and cover and tighten the retaining bolts to 15-24 ft. lbs. Before that, a tentative alignment must be present but before the alignment tool is removed. Replace the transmission, bolt the hydraulic clutch linkage, dust shield, and starter in place, lower the car, connect the clutch hydraulic system master cylinder to the clutch pedal, check for proper function of the clutch hydraulic distribution system, at last reconnect the ground terminal of the battery. The process resembles that of with the 1982-84 models starting from disconnecting the negative battery cable and the clutch hydraulic system master cylinder, lifting the car, removing the starter and disconnecting the hydraulic coupling at the transmission for the 1985-90 models. To dismantle the assembly, first it is essential to clean the surrounding of the hose and slave cylinder to avoid the entrance of fluids; then locate the position of the pressure plate and cover and free and loosen the bolts connecting the pressure plate cover assembly and clutch disc and take out the pressure plate, cover assembly clutch disc and replace the pilot bearing if required. When installing, place the clutch disc on the flywheel by using the correct alignment tool, the pressure plate and cover assembly must be aligned on the previous marks, and finally, screw the bolts in with the force of 15-25 ft. lbs. in the correct fashion and then withdraw the pilot tool. Last, fit the transmission, join the coupling to the slave cylinder and finally fix the hydraulic clutch master cylinder push rod to the clutch pedal.

Access to clutch components is obtained by removing the transmission while the engine is left in place. In case of an engine overhaul, it is advisable to inspect and repair or replace the clutch. It is good practice to replace both the engine and transmission's clutch components during removal. The transmission, however, must be removed from the vehicle since the engine has to be supported down on a frame. A clutch alignment tool is used for supporting the clutch disc that is being lifted out of its position. Then check the flywheel and pressure plate for alignment marks and scribe them if necessary. After that, remove the pressure plate in association with a clutch disc. The flywheel, pilot bearing, clutch disc lining and pressure plate are to be checked for any signs of wear or damage. Also, ensure release bearing condition and if necessary replace it with one in good condition. Clean up the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces prior to installation. Complete crisscrossing of positioning bolts tightens both the clutch disc and pressure plate accordingly at once placing them correctly onto a flywheel face.

The clutch parts can usually only be reached once the transmission and transfer case are out on 4wd models; the engine does not have to be removed. However, if the engine is being pulled for major rebuild, inspect the clutch for wear and replace that which has been worn, since clutch parts are cheap, then should this part be removed anytime the engine or the transmission is pulled, then it should not be spared the D/I unless it is new or nearly new. First loosen the transmission bolts and then support the engine, ideally with an engine lift, or with a jack and some plank of wood on the engine oil pan. Care must be taken because of the position of the oil pump pickup which is near the bottom of the oil pan and any bending of the pick up could lead to lack of oil. Before removing the clutch disc use clutch alignment tool through the clutch disc hub to support the clutch disc. Ensure there are index marks on the flywheel and pressure plate and if not make your own when reassembling the engine. Tighten the pressure plate to flywheel bolts in diagonal sequence to reduce the spring tension then remove the pressure plate and clutch disc. When inspecting the flywheel, ensure that is has no cracks and other vices and if necessary, it should be matted. Check the pilot bearing, clutch disc lining and the release bearing and if they are worn replace them. Inspect the pressure plate for signs of wear and possible damage and if the plate is excessively worn it should be replaced. Concerning installation, it is recommended that you clean the contour of the flywheel and the pressure plate without using any oil or grease. Insert the alignment tool to fit into slots on the clutch disc and pressure plate and align it well on the fitted flywheel. In case the pressure plate comes with an adjustment ring then this should be adjusted before it is fitted on the engine. Tighten the pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts until they are as tight as you can get them with your fingers, align the clutch disc with the transmission input shaft, and then tighten the bolts in a diagonal pattern to the required amount of torque called out in your shop manual. Last but not the least, the clutch release bearing, transmission assembly, and all other parts removed should be refitted making sure that all the bolts and screws are tightened to their optimal torque.

The pressure plate-to-flywheel bolts are loosened in a criss-cross pattern.

Carefully inspect the flywheel and pressure plate for indexing marks, and if they cannot be found, scribe or paint marks yourself for alignment during installation.