Q. What is meant by the term “planetary transmission”?
A. One in which the groups of gears always remain in mesh and revolve around a main axis. The different sets of gears are brought into action by stopping the revolution of the parts which support the gears. By means of bands (similar to brake bands) the rotation of the different parts is stopped. The planetary transmission is the simplest and most direct means of speed control and is a distinct advantage to the Ford car.
Q. What is the purpose of the clutch?
A. If the crank shaft of the engine ran without break straight through to the differential and through it applied its power direct to the rear wheels, the car would start forward immediately upon the starting of the engine (were it possible to get it started under such conditions). To overcome this difficulty the shaft is divided by means of the clutch. The part of the shaft to which the running engine is delivering its power is enabled to take hold of the unmoving part gradually and start the car without jolt or jar. The forward part of the shaft is referred to as the crank shaft, the rear part as the drive shaft.
Q. How is the clutch controlled?
A. By the left pedal at the driver’s feet. If the clutch pedal, when pushed forward into slow speed, has a tendency to stick and not to come back readily into high, tighten up the slow speed band. Should the machine have an inclination to creep forward when cranking, it indicates that the clutch lever screw which bears on the clutch lever cam has worn, and requires an extra turn to hold the clutch in neutral position. When the clutch is released by pulling back the hand lever the pedal should move forward the distance of 13⁄4″ in passing from high speed to neutral. See that the hub brake shoe and connections are in proper order so that the brake will act sufficiently to prevent the car creeping very far ahead. Also be sure that the slow speed band does not bind on account of being adjusted too tight. Do not use too heavy a grade of oil in cold weather, as it will have a tendency to congeal between the clutch discs and prevent proper action of the clutch.
Q. How is the clutch adjusted?
A. Remove the plate on the transmission cover under the floor boards at the driver’s seat. Take out the cotter key on the first clutch finger and give the set screw one-half to one complete turn to the right with a screw driver. Do the same to the other finger set screw. But be sure to give each the same number of turns and do not forget to replace the cotter key. And after a considerable period of service the wear in the clutch may be taken up by installing another pair of clutch discs, rather than by turning the adjusting screw in too far.
Caution. Let us warn you against placing any small tools or objects over or in the transmission case without a good wire or cord attached to them. It is almost impossible to recover them without taking off the transmission cover.
Q. How are the bands adjusted?