John Deere 301a only goes backwards

[somanytractors]

I bought this a couple years ago with this problem and I'm just now getting back around to fixing it.
It works great in reverse but in forward nothing at all.
It doesn't even try.
I'm actually suspect of the valve block because it's cover is leaking a bit. It has a homemade gasket but it looks like it's been working a while since anyone had the cover off judging by the untouched crud build up.
I read something about checking the pressures. I'm guessing the little plugs on top is where I attach a gauge?

I'm not real sure what to look for here.
My plan is to check the pressures, and then probably pull the cover off and pull the valve and check the seals.
If I don't see anything that looks odd, I guess. I'll need to split the tractor and put new clutches and seals in it?
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks
John

 

[Tx Jim]

I suggest to check control linkage at shift control valve for a broken or missing roll pin.

 

[somanytractors]

The linkage is good.
I ran it today and the little leak I mentioned is not little at all. It's spraying a pretty good stream of fluid out around that bolt. I imagine that pressure needs to be inside heading to the forward clutches. I'm going to pull that cover off. It's pretty obvious at this point that something is very wrong in there. I'm guessing a blown o-ring.
Now I'm questioning the homemade gasket. If there's high pressure in there, I wouldn't think a paper gasket would hold up long at all.

I suggest to check control linkage at shift control valve for a broken or missing roll pin.

.

 

[Harry in Ky]

This looks like it might be what you have. Appears to be just a single gasket, no O rings or sealing washers. Probably a bit heavier material than a homemade paper replacement.

 

[Harry in Ky]

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/16920/referrer/navigation/pgId/2791587

 

[somanytractors]

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/16920/referrer/navigation/pgId/2791587

Thanks so much.
That is very helpful having a blow up of what's supposed to be there, with part numbers even. I was questioning if there should be a gasket or not.
The gasket is definitely shot. It would be nice if that's all that's wrong with it. As much as it's leaking, I cant see how it would still work.

At least now I can take it apart if need be and I have a blow up of how it goes together.
Thanks

 

[Williy]

Make sure you check the fluid level

willy

 

[somanytractors]

So I put a new gasket in and it's still not working.
At this point, I'm inclined to pull the whole block off and get it on the table so I can go through it. I already pulled off the back cover and so far everything looks fine except that part #30 wont come out of it's hole.
So the question is, the pics show what looks like cut outs on the side for fluid or maybe they're just there.
Does the side where the brake housing attaches, and the side where the block attaches to the transmission have gaskets? and is there any balls in those cut outs that are going to fall out and need put back in a certain place?
Thanks
John

 

[Harry in Ky]

Having never worked on a John Deere reverser transmission I have no personal experience to share. I can say this. I would be looking for some pressure test ports to begin with. If that doesn't prove anything, the next step would be to dig into it a little deeper to try and find the pressure passages leading to the individual clutch packs and do some air checks to see if both packs react the same way to air pressure. That will tell you something.

 

[somanytractors]

Having never worked on a John Deere reverser transmission I have no personal experience to share. I can say this. I would be looking for some pressure test ports to begin with. If that doesn't prove anything, the next step would be to dig into it a little deeper to try and find the pressure passages leading to the individual clutch packs and do some air checks to see if both packs react the same way to air pressure. That will tell you something.

Good idea. There is 2 ports on top that I'm pretty sure are for pressure testing. I might just do that, although I'll have to put it back together first. I'm pretty sure I'm going to try that tomorrow. That can quickly rule out the clutch packs. Even if I do pull the valve block all apart it's good to do the testing first so I have a better idea if I'm headed the right way.
Thanks