Early Popsicle style T20 band adjustment

[patb069]

Good evening all. I have checked our site and searched the web. I see many ways to adjust a late model U channel T20. Anyone have any words of wisdom on how to adjust a popsicle stick early model? Thanks.

[Don]

Carefully, Pat.

You need to pull the pins out of the plungers on the older models in order to do the adjustments, so you have to take care not to let the plunger draw into the case far enough to go past the O-ring. If that happens, the O-ring will tear when you pull the plunger back to it's position. I like to adjust them so there is about 5/8" or 11/16" between the popsicle stick and the case right next to the plunger opening.

[patb069]

Hi Don. Thank you for the information. 2 follow up questions. When you say 5/8 to 11/16ths are you taking that measurement from the bottom side of the popsicle stick (edge closest to the case) or from pin hole? Also is there any way to calculate and zero out the plungers so that you are starting equally? I know I cant bottom them out because of the o rings. Is this one of those just get it as close as possible scenarios? Thanks again.

[Don]

Hey, Pat;

Measure the space between the popsicle stick and the case. I have a hardwood block that I cut out for the measurement that's 11/16" on one side and 5/8" on the other. The block slides in between the case and the stick (or the channel for the newer models). As long as that space is the same on all four plungers, your sticks will move the same distance.

[George]

How about a picture of that Don?

[Don]

Sure George, but I have to correct myself now: the tool is 11/16" on one side and 3/4" on the other. That's what I get for trusting my memory. In any case, 11/16" will get you in the ball park. 3/4" is a little loose. You may even want to tighten them each up the same amount of turns from 11/16" if it feels like the sticks are moving too far for you.

[patb069]

Awesome!!! Thanks Don. I will bemaking one of these this week. I will be pulling the T20 out of the Max IV and replacing it with the one that JP rebuilt. I am going to try my hand at rebuilding that one from the Max myself and keeping it as a spare.

[phabib]

I made the popsicle sticks but mine don't line up the way the ones in the picture do. I drilled the case for the pivot bolt at 90 degrees to the center surface and also drilled my popsicle stick at 90 degrees. Should I have put the 4.5 degree angle in one of those? Is my layout a problem or am I OK?

Thanks.


I tried to link to a photo I just uploaded to the gallery in the message, but it didn't work. A picture of my setup is in my gallery.

[Tomo]

HI
phabib ,best to speak to whipper on the T20 case redrill . From memory there was an angle involved and he posted about it .

tomo

[Tomo]

HI Don ,
Great idea on the spec wood ha ha will be using that idea for sure .
To all ,
The T20 manual, measurement is 1 1/4 inch [32mm] from the case surface to the middle of the the eye bolt .

tomo

[suntiet]

and the plunger sits flush with the case?

[hydromike]

The depth of the plunger in the case will depend on the amount of wear on the bands and what your initial band thickness is if you're setting one up with new bands. I have a set of relined bands in a T-20 and the surface of the plunger actually sits down in the case a bit when they're adjusted.

[boodab71]

Bringing back an old thread, new to 6x6, have a 1979 I believe, MaxII. On the band adjustment, the 3/4 - 11/16" measurement is taken with the plunger pulled out to full band engagement? Then this same process is done on every plunger? Is there a recommended plunger sequence or anything?

Thanks Bruce

[wedge]

I went with Dons Deal and mad 2 aluminum pucks to set the spacing at 11/16" on both ends of the lever.
Just have to make sure the Plunger is pulled out all the way.
Set it up this way and after I removed them and stroked the levers it feels good on the bench.T20 set up.jpg