4WD not engaging?

[brunswick000]

Its my first tractor and despite the issue so far I love it. These issues are more of an excuse to just overhaul the tractor. Might as well if im splitting it in half. Can anyone suggest how I should support the two halves of the tractor when it is split? This wont happen until warmer weather fyi.

 

[brunswick000]

Question. When adjust the clutch "free play" is it measured by the free play in the pedal? If so, the shop manual staes that it should be between 1 & 1 3/8". If the clutch is in fact slipping and the free play is already 1" does this mean I cant go any less? Or rather, do I have any room to play? Tightening the bolt reduces free play, and lossening it increases free play, correct?

 

[RalphVa]

I'd stay within the free play stats on your clutch adjustment. Funny they still have this on tractors. It's gone by the wayside with cars. I haven't adjusted a clutch free play on a car/pickup in eons, and that's all we've owned except for a 1957 Chrysler I had once.

A clutch will slip less in lower gears. That's my experience anyway.

In 4wd, without the differential lock on, one wheel can spin like crazy, and none of the others will move. Locking the differential (most have this as a manual lock) locks up the non-spinning wheels.

Also, it's tough to get into and out of 4wd on pickups/SUVs and tractors that have a plain mechanical engagement. The lever just won't move unless stress is removed from the drive train. On my tractor, it goes in/out best when rolling on a flat surface going slightly downhill. Had a horrible time getting a friend's old Blazer into 4wd when she skidded it (in 2wd) crossways on the road.

Ralph

 

[brunswick000]

Well I managed to adjust the clutch by trial and error. I mean its one bolt for crying out loud. Seems to have fixed the issue. It had too much play actually. No problem moving snow tonight, and the snow has been sitting for a few days with time to settle. Also the wheels acted more as I thought they would. I could see the front wheels attempting to gain traction so im pleased. Man im impressed with how much power such a small tractor has. Soooo glad I finally bought one. Thanks to everyone on here for all your advice. I think the reality is that it is nearly 30 years old, and there is no definitive way to know how well it was cared for over that time. There is obviously an issue with the clutch and who knows what else, so im just going to start another tractor fund for implements and maintenance. Plus as its my first tractor I need to giver the tlc I think she deserves. Thanks again.

 

[jimmysisson]

Glad you're able to use the tractor. Too much free play means (to me) your clutch engages early, pedal closer to floorboard, clutch won't DISengage. Too little is when you get slipping from linkage problems, clutch won't engage fully. See how it goes, and take it easy on heavy loads until you're sure it's good.
Jim

 

[brunswick000]

Glad you're able to use the tractor. Too much free play means (to me) your clutch engages early, pedal closer to floorboard, clutch won't DISengage. Too little is when you get slipping from linkage problems, clutch won't engage fully. See how it goes, and take it easy on heavy loads until you're sure it's good.
Jim

Yes, you are right. The whole thing confuses me to be honest. I layed under the tractor staring at the adjusting bolt trying to figure it out, and finally just tried one way and then the other :confused2: The first time I tried I must have over tightened as the clutch wouldn't fully disengage. Anyway I guess the positive is that it is working now. Im still not sure ive written it out right. It works so who cares. Perhaps on that note I should be glad I don't have to split it half.

 

[Denwa]

Its my first tractor and despite the issue so far I love it. These issues are more of an excuse to just overhaul the tractor. Might as well if im splitting it in half. Can anyone suggest how I should support the two halves of the tractor when it is split? This wont happen until warmer weather fyi.

When I got my B20 last year I had to rebuild the PTO gear train in the transmission. LOTS of bolts to remove, but pretty straight forward.

I got several jack stands, mostly 3 ton, to hold the thing up while working on it. The jack stands worked nicely. Easy height adjustment and removal, and very stable. As with firewood, you just can't have enough jack stands. Handy for all sorts of things. You will also want to get a large garage style floor jack to do the lifting.

A couple of small jack stands worked well to keep the FEL off the floor during the overhaul process. I put them between the frame and the bottom of the bucket. This allowed me to move the tractor without dragging the bucket on the ground and made walk around easier. This was mostly because I started the project outside, but later wanted to move indoors for the "split".

As some told me when I was contemplating my overhaul, "it will make you one with your tractor" ;' >

Have "fun",
Dennis

 

[crazyal]

I would think about replacing the clutch this summer when it's warm. Since it was slipping there's no telling how much wear it has on it and unless you have a nice warm place to fix it in the winter. Like you said, it's a good excuse to take it apart and go through the tractor.

 

[brunswick000]

Wellllllll, ok I guess. Ive made a list of the stuff ill need to get the job done. It will have to be done in spring / summer despite the fact that ill be siding, insulating, and heating my garage for this next winter. I got it for my laneway, and ive got to be able to use it for that. Im shelling out an average of $1000 / yr to have it cleared for me, and thats at $40 a pop, not including sand. BIG LANEWAY AND YARD.

Thanks for the advice on the jack stands. Also as I asked earlier, is there any other "you might as well do this" stuff that I "might as well do" while I have it split? Depending on parts cost im up for replacing any major components that may be worn. Lets make an overhaul list and ill start buying up the parts.

 

[Ford tractor]

Clutches do wear and need to be adjusted. You may not need to do anything besides adjust for a number of years.

Also, your operational technique can cause rapid clutch wear. Using the clutch to modulate speed (like when plowing into a snow bank) can roast a brand new clutch in a day in the worst cases. So, don't do that!