'49 8N - Trouble getting changing gears

[DanInKuna]

I was plowing irrigation corrugates in the pasture this morning with my 8N. Everytime I crossed the field, I had to reverse and line up for the next pass. I only mention this because there was lots of gear shifting - particular between 2nd gear and Reverse going on. About half an hour into the project, I couldn't change gears without grinding. I don't have experience working on clutches or transmissions, so i hope someone can advise me on how to troubleshoot this.

I think the clutch is working fine mainly because the tractor stops moving when i depress the clutch pedal. Could be that something isn't actuating as far as it should be, though. I see on transmission diagrams that there are some components that should handle gear synchronization to make it easy to shift into gear. Could the problem be in that area? When I do have it going in 1st gear, i can feel my way into 2nd or 3rd as long as it's moving. But, shifting from stop into 1st or Reverse is a bear. Reverse seems more difficult to get into than 1st, but could be my imagination.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Dan

'49 8N with front mount distributor

 

[JMOR]

There are NO synchronizers in those transmissions. Should only shift when not moving. Sounds like clutch not releasing completely. With PTO in gear, transmission in neutral, can you push the clutch down & cause the PTO shaft to stop turning? You should be able to do that.

 

[DanInKuna]

Hi JMOR,

With PTO in gear, transmission in neutral, clutch depressed, the PTO shaft keeps turning full speed. Is there any way to jar the clutch loose without cracking it open?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 15:29:55 06/27/15) Hi JMOR,

With PTO in gear, transmission in neutral, clutch depressed, the PTO shaft keeps turning full speed. Is there any way to jar the clutch loose without cracking it open?

Thanks,
Dan

t isn't completely stuck or you would not have been able to change gears. Problem is that it is not completely releasing. There is a clutch adjustment down below the pedal. Try that adjustment to minimize the free play in the pedal.

 

[DanInKuna]

JMOR,

Thanks for your help on this. After some struggle, i was able to tighten the eye bolt by three turns which gave me some control over the clutch again. I was able to
make the PTO shaft stop turning by depressing the clutch. Of course, i took the tractor back out to the field. I think it must be over 100 degrees today in southern
Idaho. After a few passes, the same clutch problem returned.

This eye bolt is connected to an arm that turns the clutch release shaft. I noticed when working on the adjustment screw/eye bolt the first time, that this arm has a
crack on the bottom of it. I think this crack opened up more when I went out to the field again. If I keep at it, i'm afraid this thing will break off.

I'm considering disconnecting the eye bolt, trying to put some kind of clamp on the arm to tighten up the crack, and then try to weld it. Not sure if i can have any
luck welding this stuff or not or if it is advisable to weld it in place or if i need to remove that arm somehow. No idea how i can remove that arm if i do need to.

Regards,
Dan

 

[JMOR]

You know where the problem is now. Maybe weld, may need to find a replacement arm from tractor grave yard or?

 

[Royse]

As JMOR said, you've found the problem.
Not all that uncommon actually.

I might try to weld the crack shut.
I would NOT try to weld it on the shaft "solid" or
weld it in place though.
That would take away the opportunity to replace it.