Just thought I would throw this on here and see what everyone thinks. I have a 49 Ford F-1, flathead V8 and Three Speed synco trans, Pretty much bone stock truck except the full flow oil filter. Recently pulled out engine and trans to address some leaking issues and give it a good cleaning. when I separated the engine and tranny pulled the and pulled the clutch off of the flywheel I found some hot spots on the flywheel and pressure plate. the flywheel was turned and it is a reman clutch when originally installed, is this normal for these trucks or do I have other issues that need to be addressed. engine and transmission where rebuilt 15 years ago. and I would say only 2000 miles on truck since it was rebuilt. Thanks Adam

 

I'm tempted to suggest that you have a throwout bearing that is worn. Note how the hot spots on the pressure plate fall exactly between the clutch fingers. Of course now you are going to have to check the surface of the flywheel for true. IHMO I would replace the pressure plate as I would suspect that the fingers are worn too.

 

I can't think of anything that would cause such a distinct pattern, other than the PP / disc / flywheel were at some point rusted together from non-use. Once back in service, the rust caused high spots that got hot? Why it would be in that pattern is beyond me. I'd be inclined to replace the disc and PP and see if the flywheel can stand another surfacing. It may be hardened in those three areas beyond use.

 

Are all of the springs in your pressure plate the same color? Same size and thickness?
Looks like uneven pressure is being applied.

A few years ago I bought a "new" PP with non adjustable fingers.......one finger was not engaging correctly and it had a hot spot on that 1/3 of the plate.

 

Tinman54, you may have hit the nail on the head. After reading your post, i went to check it out and this is what i found. three purple springs, all with hot spots in their locations. The rest of the springs were just bare color springs. I bought the clutch kit at local parts store, i think it was a reman. maybe they just did this one wrong.

 

I wouldn't jump on that boat just yet. Besides they're being in the same position (indicating they were placed there for a reason) the positions are the furthest from the fingers. The fingers not only provide a mechanical link for releasing pressure but also for applying, through centrifugal force. Being away from that force the painted springs are heavier (tension) and will should/probably apply sooner. Clutch riding and/or excessive slipping can cause the spots. You never mentioned having chattering issues before removal so I wouldn't be overly concerned about the spots. If it makes you feel better replace the clutch and cover and consider addressing the driving habits of those that operate the truck. I've replaced many worn clutches over the years with similar spots, without resurfacing the flywheels, and had no issues. In fact, oddly enough, I've had more issues with flywheels I have had resurfaced.

 

Is that a grease residue around inside of the pressure plate friction surface?

 

Yes it is grease residue, from what I can tell they must have really packed a lot of grease in the throw out bearing, found trails of grease coming out of gap in bearing.