bad noise on releasing clutch tx 2160

[zigandzag]

Hello, first time user, and I have a problem to solve.

I bought a iseki/bolens tx2160 with FEL (in Victoria , Australia) and it was terrific machine moving dirt etc for our owner build.

The problem is that it was stolen by the builders. after much searching and effort I found it and got it back..(2 years later) little beaten up but another 150 hrs on it.

I cleaned it, changed engine oil and filters and new battery and bingo.. started first go and engine is healthy and no damage. The FEL and hydraulics also seem fine. Now the problem
went to drive it ....depressed clutch.. started ... released clutch slowly and a really bad metallic grinding noise.. so much that I did not continue to release the clutch. The tractor is 4wd and hydrostatic. so any ideas what it is and can I detect the problem by draining the gear oil or something else.

I am presuming that the tractor when stolen was worked hard, abused, and with no care.(front left tire was shredded) Has anyone had this clutch release grinding problem and could I be lucky enough that its just a damaged clutch plate/bearing or is it something more terminal. should I be checking some lever?.

Any ideas welcome, I have some mechanical knowledge and can swing a spanner.

Thanks

zigandzag

 

[shovelmike]

I'm more familiar with clutches in conjunction with gear type transmissions, but such noises are quite often the clutch release bearing failing.

 

[wheelbuilder]

I thought I saw on here someone with the input spline/coupler loose. There was a roll pin thru it that should have safety wire retaining that even further that had come loose.
If I can find that I'll put the link in.
Found one link - https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/iseki/273866-new-home-crippled-bolens-g174.html

It may not be the only possible cause...

 

[zigandzag]

Thanks shovel Mike, sounds like I will have to split tractor and have a look. Mechanic said he will do it for $3000 and see whats wrong... are mechanics that expensive in USA?

 

[zigandzag]

Thanks wheelbuilder, is there a reliable place to buy Bolens.iseki bearings /clutch etc in USA eg an online supplier? would input shafts etc still be available new?

thanks for your time.

Do you know if the coupler is stripped or damaged... can you get a generic coupler or same part which was fitted to another model or make of tractor? just that I saw a Kubota coupler for an imput shaft around $20.00 and the iseki/bolens part $179.00!!.

thanks

 

[shovelmike]

Thanks shovel Mike, sounds like I will have to split tractor and have a look. Mechanic said he will do it for $3000 and see whats wrong... are mechanics that expensive in USA?

It would probably cost a similar amount here, a lot of labor involved in splitting a tractor.
If you are mechanically inclined you could undertake the job yourself, but it does require good hoists and Jack's to do the job. If not properly equipped the job can be dangerous.
Best of luck in correcting the issue.

 

[fried1765]

It would probably cost a similar amount here, a lot of labor involved in splitting a tractor.
If you are mechanically inclined you could undertake the job yourself, but it does require good hoists and Jack's to do the job. If not properly equipped the job can be dangerous.
Best of luck in correcting the issue.

The AUD is .69 of USD
Thus $3000 AUD estimate equals $2070 USD.
Very similar AUD/USD estimated cost.

Friend of mine helped me with a split of my (32HP) Ford 1920 several years ago.
He had the knowledge, and I had two hands.
We did it in his garage, with no special tools.
We did have two quality roll under jacks, and 4 jack stands.
Was fairly straightforward (with shop manual).
Took us about 11 hours total.

Pros could likely do the job in somewhat less than 8 hours.

 

[wheelbuilder]

Thanks wheelbuilder, is there a reliable place to buy Bolens.iseki bearings /clutch etc in USA eg an online supplier? would input shafts etc still be available new?

thanks for your time.

Do you know if the coupler is stripped or damaged... can you get a generic coupler or same part which was fitted to another model or make of tractor? just that I saw a Kubota coupler for an imput shaft around $20.00 and the iseki/bolens part $179.00!!.

thanks

There's a guy on here from time to time, lens12 I think from sheaffers tractors, and also southern global tractor. Clutch and throw out bearings are available from what I've seen. Input shafts are probably not available new, unless white/agco has some in a warehouse. Both those businesses part tractors if I remember correctly.

 

[zigandzag]

The AUD is .69 of USD
Thus $3000 AUD estimate equals $2070 USD.
Very similar AUD/USD estimated cost.

Friend of mine helped me with a split of my (32HP) Ford 1920 several years ago.
He had the knowledge, and I had two hands.
We did it in his garage, with no special tools.
We did have two quality roll under jacks, and 4 jack stands.
Was fairly straightforward (with shop manual).
Took us about 11 hours total.

Pros could likely do the job in somewhat less than 8 hours.

Thanks Fried, guess I better have a look as otherwise just sell the tractor as is. Am a member of the Macedon Ranges Car Club (local mixed make car club restoring old cars) and may see if I can talk someone into helping. As a note to all old car and truck lovers the club holds a Picnic at Hanging Rock...in February.. about 3500 historic cars , trucks, and motorbikes attend, one hour from Melbourne.. a good day if your out this way... and you can see some kangaroos!