336d 4x4 not working

bucktownboy · Oct 11, 2017

Im looking at buying a 336d . The seller is being up front about the 4x4 not working.
I havent found much information on a common problem for the 4x4 quit working .
I was hoping for a little insight from you guys.

Bucktownboy

rScotty · Oct 11, 2017

Tell a bit more about the machine. What happens when you try to put it in 4wd? Odd noises from beneath? Do the front wheels turn freely and in opposite directions? How are the tires?
Also.....Does it have a loader? Does the powersteering work?

There are only a few things it could be. None are common, but the most likely IMHO would be that one of the two universal joints on the front driveshaft has failed. If that is it, you can just pull the shaft, seal the cover, and use it as a 2WD.
rScotty

HoyeTractor · Oct 11, 2017

The only other relatively common problem I can think of is caused by #31 or #39 in the link below wearing out or breaking off. The symptoms of that are a floppy 4wd shifter lever that doesn't feel like it is doing anything.
4WD SHIFTER ^: Yanmar Tractor Parts

rScotty · Oct 11, 2017

HoyeTractor said:
The only other relatively common problem I can think of is caused by #31 or #39 in the link below wearing out or breaking off. The symptoms of that are a floppy 4wd shifter lever that doesn't feel like it is doing anything.
4WD SHIFTER ^: Yanmar Tractor Parts

Ahh..right you are. I knew there was something that I was overlooking. And engagement shift is what it was. I've not seen that pin let break, but I have heard of it happening. The problem starts if the tires are worn or wrong size and then used in 4wd on a high traction surface. Yanmars of that vintage DO NOT have a middle (3rd) differential, so high 4wd stresses can build up in the transmission with good traction in 4wd. That makes it very hard to shift OUT of 4wd. Then some unknowing operator muscles that little lever and there goes the pin. If your is hard to get OUT of 4wd sometime don't yank on the 4wd engagement lever. Instead raise the front end and let it the torsional stresses "unwind". With a loader you can even do that as you keep working.
Enjoy,
rScotty

California · Oct 11, 2017

Driving zig-zag in reverse can also unload tension. I've had to do this with old Wagoneers and Willys Wagons. I think its in the Wagoneer owner's manual.