Aligning Centurion engine to gearbox

[45jim]

We found it easier to move the engine forward to replace the clutch. We marked the location of the engine on the mounts and cut some wood for positive reference between the engine and gearbox. It was a bear to lift out and replace the clutch but once installed it proved relatively easy to re-align the engine to transmission. The wood was used as a rough check as we were moving things into place and final alignment came from the reference marks we made during disassembly. We did have the element of experience as we had two old RCEME Cent guys assisting. I believe that while the suggested tolerances exist, the design is far more forgiving and while adhering to the suggested tolerances provides the maximum clutch and seal life a slight error will not affect its life as a parade vehicle.

As a side note, when a Centurion had sat for a period of time it is important to preserve the clutch during initial start up. Centurions stored outside often suffered from seized track pins, stuck brake shoes and there is always the possibility of a stuck clutch disc. We were told to warm the engine with the transmission in neutral clutch engaged. Once warm, a couple of light applications of steering tiller (while still in neutral) is applied to each side, not enough to effect a turn but to put some stress on the track and clutch. Once this was done and the brakes were known to be free only then was it moved forward or back to free everything up. Wonky track link got a smart smack with a sledge.

The Strathcona's stored their Centurions in Wainwright Alberta and they sat for up to 9 months a year (several months below -30C) with only a skeleton maintenance crew. All the training was done in a 3 month window from spring to early summer so every time the unit went up to train there was caution in how the tanks were brought out hibernation.