Dumper + Clutch

[Chris P]

Hi,
I have an old dumper of approx 1967 vintage (or that is when is
registration plate is dated) and I would love to know some information
about it, what it is etc. Its a 1 ton, rear steer, manual start,
manual tip beast with (I believe) a Petter PH1 engine. The Bryce pump/
injector stopped working due to a broken spring and the clutch slips.
I can deal with the pump/injector, if I can not get a spring I'll just
replace it. The clutch is a different matter though. I have the rear
bodywork off but I am only used to standard car friction plate
clutches, this appears to be like a reverse drum brake and so far I
have not worked how to open it up so I can see if it needs adjusting
or new friction pads. Any info,help or advice would be very much
appreciated.
Thanks
Chris P

[Chris P]

I have uploaded 8 pictures in Files. Sorry about the size, I converted
them t reduce size and then uploaded from the wrong place. If they are
to large Mr moderator please delete them and I will upload smaller
ones. Thanks, Chris P

[Jim]

Hi Chris,

The files have uploaded ok so no problems about the sizing (Mr
Moderator!).

I note that your dumper has a registration number. If you phone DVLA
they can tell you the make. A few other users of the site have done
this. That might help track down a manual or some other information.
I'm not familiar with that type of set up myself. If it was me I think
I would persevere with stripping it down a) to find out how it works
and b) to see if the linings are worn out.

Cheers for now

Jim

[sh...@brookfieldsfarm.co.uk]

Hi Chris

From the pictures it looks like an early Thwaites 1 tonner. There's
one on ebay at the moment.

Like Jim I'm not familiar with the clutch.

Cheers, Shaun

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[Chris P]

Hi Jim & Shaun,

Good calls, many thanks. It have contacted DVLA (they won't give info
out over the phone) and used their website to verify the number is
allocated to a Thwaites, I am going to contact Thwaites today to see
if I can get more info.

After looking at the clutch in more detaile (without stripping it
down) it looks like it works like a drum brake but in reverse. there
is what appears to be an adjuster so using good old drum brake theory
my first step is going to be trying to adjust it. Fingers crossed and
I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again

Chris P

[Chris P]

Hi Jim & Shaun,

I have spoken to Thwaites, specifically Tim in spares, and got
fantastic service. Due to the age of the dumper he had to go away and
phone me back as all the records we still in books and not on
computer. I armed him with the first reg date and engine serial
number. In 10 minutes he phoned me back, gave me the serial number of
the dumper, who it was originally sold to and when and identified it
as a Thwaites Sprite Nimbus. A very big thank you Tim.

I hope the clutch turns out to be as easy!!

Thanks

Chris P

[Jim]

Hi Chris,

Today I have received a huge box of assorted plant manuals sent to me
by a user of the site.

What luck, there is a manual for a Thwaites Nimbus T.3 diesel dumper
amongst them dated 09/64.

To adjust the clutch it says: "Depress clutch pedal to its full amount
of travel, then turn the square headed screw on the clutch back plate
in a clockwise rotation until tight, then turn back until clutch unit
revolves freely. DO NOT adjust clutch by the wired nut, as this is pre-
set at works to give correct spring tension."

The part number of the shoes is T 5173 which may be the same for your
machine.

I have uploaded a picture from the manual showing the adjustment
screw.

I hope this helps

Jim

[Chris P]

Hi Jim,

Many thanks for the info. What a coincidence I have recently received
from Thwaites the Workshop manual and parts List for the dumper in pdf
format. I have uploaded them to the group plus a few other bits?

Doesn't it look easy when the body work is removed :-)

My clutch has adjusted so all is looking well. I had an injection pump
failure as well and got the parts from Peter Slater Fuel Injection
Engineers (www.pslaterfie.co.uk)

Once again many thanks

Chris