Ford 881 sos

[Ropo]

I am new to the forum and just purchased a ford 881 from someone I
know. I also own a ford 8n. I have shop manuals and an owners
manual and getting familiar with servicing the tractor. I believe it is a
59, the number on the transmission is 312259 and the serial number
on the engine block is 72407 on left side and part number 310609 on
right side. So it looks like a red transmission, the band adjust screw
for band 1 looks like no extra threads, band 2 has 4 threads and band
3 has one thread showing. I am currently going through and replacing
fluids and dont want to open up the top cover of the transmission if I
dont have to, and was wondering if anyone new if there is the filter
under the top cover on the 59s. Or if the only way to be sure is to
take the cover off? The previous owner said it shifted fine but it has
also sat for a year. Also wondering if I can get bands for the
transmission or if anyone rebuilds them if that is what it needs. Also
looks like the pto cable needs attention there was no handle on the
end and it pulls really hard. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[pomester]

Yes, there is a filter under the cover. It is available. Be sure to follow the manual instructions carefully to remove/replace the cover.

I'd do the evaluation of the transmission and the band adjustments per the manual instructions. i'd not worry about replacing the bands unless it is impossible to make the adjustment.

The PTO issue is most likely a physical issue with the cable and sheath, tho misalignment of the internal mechanism with the transmission cover is possible. When replacing the cover I shift it around so the PTO cable/lever work smoothly. Handles for the PTO come and go on eBay.

Was the fluid you drained clean? Milky fluid has water in it and it's hard to get the system flushed thoroughly.

I've a 981 and I like it a lot. I hope yours gives you good service.

David

 

[Ropo]

Thank you for your reply, I plan on changing the fluid this evening so I
will keep you posted. Also where can I purchase the filter? When I
get ready to Remove the cover I will service the pto cable.

Rob

 

[pomester]

This site sells a filter - look under 'Ford 901 - drivetrain'

here's a recent thread with some pictures https://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=1495321&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

There's lots of information on SOS transmissions on this forum, use the 'advanced search' for hours of entertainment.

 

[Ropo]

Thank you I will have to check it out.

 

[Dean]

Yes, there is a small filter beneath the top cover.

AS previously advised, do not attempt to R & R the top cover to replace the filter until you have read and understood the procedures for doing so. Improper technique can result in expensive damage.

Dean

 

[Ropo]

So I got a chance to replace the transmission fluid, it came out pretty clean not milky and the screen was fairly clean. My next thing is to order the starter so I can get it running to check what works and what doesnt.

Thanks for the advice on the online store and where to look for the filter and the forum search, you are right I could spend days searching the threads.

 

[Ropo]

Thanks Dean

I have a manual and been studying it. Doesnt look to terrible if I follow all the steps. I. In the process of ordering the filter, but do have one question, will i need to replace the cover gasket when reassembling after replacing the filter? I did not see one on this sites store

 

[Dean]

Yes. It's available from CNH but your dealer will probably need to order it.

Follow the procedures in the Ford shop manual and you will likely be OK. Not everything is obvious or intuitive and the cables can be damaged if one uses improper procedures. Cables are difficult to find and expensive.

Dean

 

[showcrop]

It has been a few years since this came up here, but before the repop filters were available it was generally agreed upon here that the filters were a bypass type and wouldn't make new oil any cleaner so that a filter wouldn't do you any good unless you were working the tractor hard and frequently.

 

[Ropo]

So there really is not a benefit from replacing the filter if you change
your tranny fluid often and dont work the tractor hard. Which I just do
a few acres of food plots and plan on plowing snow in the winter with
it. On a side note will I be able to service the pto cable and leave the
top cover on? So can I remove and replace the pto cable to service it
being it pulls hard?

 

[Larry NCKS]

(quoted from post at 19:11:45 06/19/21)
it. On a side note will I be able to service the pto cable and leave the
top cover on? So can I remove and replace the pto cable to service it
being it pulls hard?

Both are possible! However, I had one completely stuck in the off (in) position. Most of the stickiness, I think, was up in the slider and not in the actual cable.

I just kept treating it with a penetrating oil aerosol for several weeks. I finally put a good pry under the T- handle and broke it loose. I then sprayed the shank several times with a silicon lubricant while working it back and forth.

It's been fine for several years now, and sits out in the weather.

You might also check the ground speed interlock for proper operation. When it is engaged, the dash cable is supposed to be inoperable.

The products I used were Archer Lubricants SPL Plus and AP-16X.

 

[Sean in PA]

(quoted from post at 15:52:06 06/19/21)

It has been a few years since this came up here, but before the repop filters were available it was generally agreed upon here that the filters were a bypass type and wouldn't make new oil any cleaner so that a filter wouldn't do you any good unless you were working the tractor hard and frequently.

The filter only bypasses if it is too clogged to pass the fluid through itself. No filter is going to make new oil any cleaner. If there are contaminants or metal particles in the system, then a new filter that is not clogged to the point of bypassing will help. And if there is no problem, it won't hurt. If you do replace it, cut the old one open to see if it's clogged, and if so, with what. That will give you a good idea of the history of the transmission in terms of the condition of the oil over time, at least since the last time that the filter was changed.

 

[Ropo]

So there really is not a benefit from replacing the filter if you change
your tranny fluid often and dont work the tractor hard. Which I just do
a few acres of food plots and plan on plowing snow in the winter with
it. On a side note will I be able to service the pto cable and leave the
top cover on? So can I remove and replace the pto cable to service it
being it pulls hard?

 

[pomester]

You can remove/replace the cable assembly from the transmission top cover by following the manual instructions. You can then remove the sheath from the cable if you want.

I'd be looking specifically at the slider assembly where the handle attaches. Weather can get in there and tighten things up.

Also where the cable enters the top cover, internally the mechanism has a part attached to the transmission which slides within another attached to the cover. The cover can be slid around a little before tightening until the mechanism operates smoothly, get the top cover slightly out of optimum position and the mechanism will bind. That mechanism should operate smoothly with very little effort.

 

[Dean]

Of course there is. Yes, the filter is in the return to sump circuit but Ford saw fit to add it even though the first units had none.

Most of these filters rarely if ever are changed and, of course, have been clogged and bypassing for decades.

Change the filter when you flush and change the oil.

Dean

 

[Dean]

Even more importantly, do not fail to thoroughly clean the suction strainer which must be removed to drain the oil.

Dean

 

[Ropo]

I will try to soak the cable and the idea about cutting open the old
filter to see what is in it is a great idea. I have this fear about dropping
a wrench or a socket down inside the transmission when I have the
top open, lol. So I will probably run it a bit and then order a filter and
adjust my bands.Thanks all you guys for helping me with my newbie
questions, I will keep you all informed on my progress.