projectanavita wrote:

With the adapter ring, and the threads. Is this used as a wear indicator on the clutch? If so at what point does the clutch need to be replaced using this as an indicator? (like if the ring is -1mm into the outer flywheel is it safe to assume the clutch material is gone ... or something like that)

If I understand correctly and this clutch runs in oil it is nearly impossible to wear out clutch face material.  The teeth that mesh to drive wear out first. On a D6 with the same type clutch had it apart to address oil leaks. The drive teeth where just barely there. The clutch face was the same thickness on the new plate no adjustment was needed. 
 

the clutch has oil in it ... but the flywheel where you adjust the ring is dry. I think you are even suppose to drain that area off once in a while if I recall correctly.

Looking at the previous images posted ( www.acmoc.org/bb/discussion-d72/27947-la...-7u?start=120#238335 ) there is a dividing line between where the oil is (where the clutch break is toward the back of the machine) and the flywheel (where the pump gears are forward)

When I dropped a tool down into the flywheel area (before I added a string) when I pulled it out there was no oil there ... but a clear bath of oil toward the back of the machine just beyond the flywheel compartment.

this is something i was told too always park the machine with the clutch engaged it apparently stops the clutch plates buckling. well i know parking it in gear works as a handbrake.

trainzkid88 wrote:

this is something i was told too always park the machine with the clutch engaged it apparently stops the clutch plates buckling. well i know parking it in gear works as a handbrake.

When I am running the machine to cool it down it is idling in neutral with clutch engaged as per the OM specifications. So when I eventually stop it it says that way ... as well as the (start / run) switch staying in the run position till I restart the machine (after moving to start, and disengaging the clutch) ... 

I wonder if the buckling would be a heat related thing and not an issue if it is "cool" ... but then again, what is "cool" 

i think the reason is the release springs might bend the plates.