1650 clutch or Over/Under problems

[Mark R. in MN]

I have a 1967 or 68 Oliver 1650 (gas) with over/under that's been steadily losing power, as in it struggles to climb even small hills anymore. The problem has been getting progressively worse, and I'm not sure whether the problem is a slipping clutch (though I suspect this) or a bad over/under unit. The clutch linkage adjustment is correct, and so are the fluid levels. The problems occurs regardless of whether the over/under is set on over, under or direct drive. The engine appears to be running just fine.

Any ideas on how I might be able to isolate whether the problem is the clutch or over/under? If it was a car I'd take it up a moderate hill at 30 mph and shift into 4th, and if the clutch was bad the engine would rev as the clutch slipped, but that won't work with this.

 

[Vernon in Ks]

Mark, clutch slipage is clutch slipage regardless of car or tractor. It should feel similar as you described for a car. Are you loosing "power" or travel speed?

 

[Mark R. in MN]

I'm losing travel speed, with no noticeable change in engine speed.

 

[Tramway Guy]

Whichever unit is slipping will generate a lot of heat. Since you said it happens in over, direct, or under, I would lean towards the engine clutch. In underdrive, an overrunning [sprag] clutch is the element that delivers the power, and typically it either works or it doesn't; if it slips, it just comes to a stop.

 

[Cas]

Hard to believe it is o/u since 2 ranges are hydraulic and underdrive is mechanically accentuated. I vote for the clutch.

 

[Mark R. in MN]

That makes sense. A friend down the road lost the hydraulics on his over/under but still operates the tractor in underdrive. Next question - any recommendations on the best places to acquire parts for this? I see that clutches aren't listed in the Oliver parts section here on YT.

 

[J.Wondergem]

If you have a place that rebuilds truck clutches, they can probably rebuild you clutches.

 

[Mark R. in MN]

I was thinking down that line too, especially since I haven't seen new or re-manufactured clutches listed anywhere for this model. Thanks to all who replied.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Rebuilt clutch kit, $232, at All states ag parts, www.external_link.com

 

[Larry from MD]

If a clutch is real bad it wont pull down the engine so it will not speed up much when it slips.

 

[Mark R. in MN]

Thanks. I hadn't found this site!