1956 420W clutch question

[valve guy]

I've got a '56 420W with a clutch/PTO issue. A mechanic buddy and I are going to tackle my issues this winter, I have on order my parts manual and service manual. Will I need to split the tractor to get to the clutch? I think my issues may be related. My tractor seems to grind shifting between gears more than I think it should. But the real issue I'd like to address is that with an implement attached to my PTO I can NOT engage the PTO. The lever next to my gear shift won't physically allow me to engage. If I don't have an implement connected to the PTO or if the engine is not running I can slide the lever to have the PTO engage. This is a 5 speed with a 2-stage clutch. I've tried various positions of the foot clutch looking for a sweet spot to engage without any luck. I hear grinding when pushing on the lever.

Thank you for your thoughts regarding this.

 

[Resting Relics 1]

Hey Valve Guy,
You definitely need to split the tractor to work on the clutch. The symptoms your describing sounds like the clutch is not fully disengaging, thus the grinding. The pto is even more susceptible to a dragging clutch causing grinding while engaging. First and easiest to check is to be sure you don't have excessive free play in the clutch pedal. An inch to an inch and one half is good. If it is adjusted correctly the pilot bearing or bushing in the flywheel most likely is where the issue is. You'll have to split it to repair that issue. Good Luck!
John

 

[Jim.ME]

Sweet Spot? About halfway down on the pedal should disengage the transmission clutch. Fully down it should disengage the PTO clutch.

As Resting Relics 1 posted too much pedal free play could be your problem. The operator's manual says approximately 1 inch. If adjustment doesn't solve the problem, you will have to split it to access the clutch. You can download a free copy of the Operator's manual at https://techpubs.deere.com/ . Use the Equipment Publications tab to do a model search for 420. You will find many 420 models to go through to find your W (row crop/utility) and there is a serial number break in those as well. It looks like there are three different manuals for the 420W. (OMT37756 for S/N 100001 up, OMT48757 for 125001 up, OMT56358 for 131301 up). You can use the manual part number to find it as well by changing model search to part#/keyword search.