Case-International 385 clutch spring

geneP · Nov 29, 2004

I've recently purchased an '89 model Case-IH 385 tractor. While reading the owners' manual I noticed that the tractor has a "self adjusting clutch" but the manual says to check the adjustment by raising up on the clutch pedal. There must be 1" of free play in the pedal. I'm accustomed to a spring maintaining the "free play" in a clutch pedal by taking the pressure off the throwout bearing when the clutch is not in use. The owner manual has a sketch showing the clutch pedal and linkage and there appears to be a spring from the clutch actuating arm to a hole in the left footrest bracket. A spring in this position would maintain pressure on the throwout bearing. My tractor does not have this spring. Now for my question: Does anyone have a tractor of this model, or perhaps a 485, that can verify the presence of this spring for me? It will be under the removable panel under the left side of the instrument panel. Any information on the clutch in this type tractor will be much appreciated.
Gene

CMunger · Nov 30, 2004

The early built IH Doncaster tractors had the "Free Play" as the book shows, where the peddle moves 1" to 2" before contacting the clutch lever fingers. The later ones had a constant running T/O bearing where the bearing rested on the fingers, there for requiring the opposite type adjustment. I could attemt to tell you the reasoning, but that would take a while. Massey Ferguson starting doing the same thing on there 300 series in the early 90's.
I think if you do not have the spring on the clutch lever you must have the constant running bearing
Chuck M.

geneP · Nov 30, 2004

I agree that this tractor must have the constant running type bearing, but the manual sketch shows a spring that would apply pressure to bearing on the fingers, as opposed to maintaining free play between the bearing and the clutch fingers. Since I just bought this tractor and there is not a spring on it, I'm trying to determine if one should, in fact, be there. I've contacted the nearest dealer (about 60 miles away) about another subject and wasn't impressed with their help so I'm reluctant to bother them with what they consider trivial items.

CMunger · Dec 1, 2004

I am trying to remember, but I think there is not a spring on the constant running type, like it's just held down by gravity, but I am not sure. I will find out and get back with you.
Chuck M.

geneP · Dec 1, 2004

Thanks Chuck, I'd really appreciate it. If you have a contact at Case, I could use the part number if there is supposed to be a spring on it.
Gene

CMunger · Dec 1, 2004

I looked in a 385 parts book (CD ROM) today, it appears that both types have a spring. It looks like they have a different ancore point, there sould be a small piece of metal that is bolted to a point below the arm that has a small hole in it that a spring would hook into. I cannot tell exactly where this piece of metal is, but it would be in a position to hold the bearing against the fingers, the other style holds it away from the fingers and has a adjustment bolt on the upper part of the clutch peddle. Again I will be in another area tomorrow and will be able to look at a tractor instead of a book.
Chuck M.

geneP · Dec 1, 2004

My tractor is an early '89 model, according to serial # info I have. The anchor hole for the tension spring is on the bracket that the forward portion of the foot rest is bolted to. This clutch pedal has a notch in the upper portion of the pedal, apparently for a return spring, and a hole forward of it where a spring might be anchored. However, this pedal does not have an adjustment bolt at the upward stop, only a spur on the clutch pedal that contacts a boss on the clutch housing as a stop. It appears that it is equiped for either a retrurn spring to maintain "free play" or a tension spring to maintain pressure on the clutch fingers. I can try to post pictures here ( never done it before) or send some to your email if it will help. I really appreciate you helping on this.
Gene

CMunger · Dec 2, 2004

We have alot of those 85 series tractors in California, and I will be near one today, and I will look for the spring position
Chuck M.

scarlo101 · Jun 16, 2019

Good day,
I have a 385 4WD / FEL with 6100hrs and I use this as light utility tractor. I got it used so I do not know if clutch and has been replaced. I just want to confirm that my clutch is wearing out or it just needs an adjustment. When in a low gear (3 or 4) and under a heavier load such as muddy area, and engaged in 4WD, it just sits still and does not move when engaged. ( a few times I thought I was not gonna be able to get out) It seems to help a bit if I lift the pedal with my foot, but mostly driving around it seems fine? I do not hear or smell anything unusual?
If you think my clutch needs replacing, is it easily doable on my own and where is the best place to get parts?

Many Thanks