I have a 54 Ford Customline with 3 speed manual and an overdrive mechanism. I few weeks ago I noticed that it would no longer engage into any gear so I checked all linkages and all were is good shape with no binding. I got under the car and turned the nut to the clutch fork about 12 or so turns and it shifts into all gears but I notice that there is a little burning smell when applying the clutch to shift. My question is, how can I check if I need to replace the clutch? Should I loosen the nut so not to be too tight? I have been told that the clutch has to be replaced but I have no way to look at it without taking off the transmission and the bell housing. I have looked at catalogs on the web and can't tell if it has a cover plate to remove the housing. Seems like a paint in the ass. Thanks in advance.
i think you'll have to bite the bullet and pull the trans and bellhousing. if it's like 49-53 fords, there is a cover plate on the front of the bellhousing, but it isn't an inspection plate.