A clutch

[john waller]

Can't seem to keep the clutch properly adjusted on my late model A. Either wants to slip or won't disengage.

Plates are fine.

I think the problem is play in the vertical shaft from the clutch lever. Am I on the right track? Any hints?

This is my first JD and I really like the user friendly design.

Got a #30 combine and the A worked just great in 1st pulling the #30 in heavy oats. Toward the end, I'd have to kill the A with the brakes as the clutch didn't want to disengage.

 

[johndeereman]

maybe your flywheel is loose letting the crank slop side to side so you cant get a good adjustment

 

[john waller]

Had the flywheel cover off last year to put on new battery cable and check out the starter. Seemed fine.

There is a LOT of slop in the vertical shaft going into the clutch housing. Seems easy to take off the cover the shaft goes into to check.

Any thoughts or warnings?

Initially, the "T" bolts for the clutch adjustment had not been properly seated in the 'grove' when it had been worked on sometime in the past. After turning them to secure, clutch worked well for a time. Looks like clutch plates had been replaced recently, too.

Very frustrating and dangerous to have the clutch so touchy. Just a slight adjustment on the adjustment bolts will cause either slipping or no disengagement.

Tractor had been sitting for several years all painted up and covered with a plastic tarp in the backlot of a very nice lake home. Clutch cover was missing and pulley full of varmints and nests and rust.

 

[johndeereman]

dont think it would be the shaft you describe if i remeber right theres an e clip that holds it in there but mine is missing and i have no problems easiest thing to do if you can get the clutch to work at all is with engine off push clutch in and out several times see what kind of noises you hear like a thunk thunk type noise only other things i can think of is you might have a broken disk or the smooth surfaces are rusted up letting the disks grab

 

[hojon_1]

Loosen all three castle nuts then engage the clutch (Push lever forward). Use a torque wrench to adjust each one evenly 1/4 turn at a time until they set at 10ft/lbs of torque (with clutch engaged) .

If you want a little tighter feel increase up to 15ft/lbs.

Make sure you use a good wrench as I"ve seem some set at 15ft"lbs and trip at 20ft/lbs. makes a difference on the "Snap" of the clutch.

Try this (quick and easy) to see if it solves the problem before digging in deeper.

 

[BushogPapa]

Have you ever had the entire clutch-drum off the tractor, to check the condition of the clutch-dogs, toggles, etc..??
Your clutch should not be that hard to adjust and it is not hard to fully remove it, to check it well...
What you describe could be a broken clutch-facing..
While the clutch is off, Grease the operating sleeve, dogs and toggles..
Are you SURE your Clutch-Bolts have good threads..??
They do get worn to the point that they will not hold an adjustment.. (Worn Threads)..
I am SURE you are aware, NOT to force those clutch-bolts (with a wrench), as you CAN bust the Clutch-Drum if they don't want to move....!!

Ron..

 

[BushogPapa]

Have you ever had the entire clutch-drum off the tractor, to check the condition of the clutch-dogs, toggles, etc..??
Your clutch should not be that hard to adjust and it is not hard to fully remove it, to check it well...
What you describe could be a broken clutch-facing..
While the clutch is off, Grease the operating sleeve, dogs and toggles and Bearing..
Are you SURE your Clutch-Bolts have good threads..??
They do get worn to the point that they will not hold an adjustment.. (Worn Threads)..
I am SURE you are aware, NOT to force those clutch-bolts (with a wrench), as you CAN bust the Clutch-Drum if they don't want to move....!!

Ron..

 

[john waller]

Am going to try the torque wrench on the adjustment bolts first. Haven't had the entire assembly off yet. Did take out the first clutch plate and it seemed fine. Used a light to look inside as best as I could and all looked o.k. from that inspection.

Tried to get the sprocket pulled off but couldn't get it to pull off with my puller. Was afraid of breaking something to used the flashlight.

After initial setting, it worked fine for quite a while. Bolts seem fine. Have moved them just a part turn at at time. Remember that from the A and the G we had when I was a kid. That was about all we ever did on the JD's. And that wasn't very often.