Need Help!- HLV-H clutch

[rcorio]

I have a HLV-H and am having trouble with my londitudinal power clutch feed. When I begin to cut it is slow to engage then it stops. I have to coax it to continue. It goes a bit more and then stops again until it is about 1.5" from the spindle. Then it goes for about 6" and then stops again. Can anyone help with this?

[BillTodd]

HLV-H clutches only have a release adjustment (accessible under the screw cover).

Could be worn plates (has the clutch been slipping for a while?)

I suppose it is just possible the nut that holds the bearing and spring in place has become loose.

Have you changed the apron oil lately (Hardinge recommend automatic transmission fluid - TQF etc. every 6 months)

Bill

[rcorio]

Bill,

Thanks for all the suggestions. I just got the lathe so I am not sure how the previous owner kept up with maintenance.

I replaced the ATF, but that didn't help a whole lot. The problem seems to happen at around the same place each time and that is close to the spindle. It makes me think that something is worn. Is it a difficult project to replace the plates? Or maybe to check to see if the spring is loose?

Thanks for your time.

Bob

[BillTodd]

The clutches are suppose to slip if the load is excessive, so it'd be worth checking for damage to the bed or anything else that could be stopping the carriage.

Or maybe to check to see if the spring is loose?

you can check the bearing retaining nut (It should be tight) by removing the lever assembly (four allen bolts - be careful not to lose the interlock spring and plunger). Do not remove the nut - it will be difficult to replace without removing the apron plate.

There are some pictures of my apron here in my i HLV-H rebuild

Is it a difficult project to replace the plates?

Not too difficult, but I'd recommend you get a maintenance manual. You'll have to strip down the apron which means removing the carriage motor, carriage handle assembly (three allen bolts) ,clutch lever assemblies, half-nut lever (taper pin and the small lock(grub) screw to its right) and the semi-circular plate under the cross-slide over-hang (don't lose the rubber seal strip!).

To remove the apron front: remove all allen bolts, pull at the bottom and tap around the sides firmly with a soft faced mallet to crack the sealant. Tap it back on and off and around the edges until it pulls free (DO NOT lever).

While you're there, check the carriage drive gear and bearings (they will probably be worn and worth replacing while it's apart)

If in doubt, ask I'm happy to help (I received plenty when I did mine)