Ok, I got her split and I think I found out why this tractor with 300 hrs has a worn out clutch.
After disconnecting the clutch linkage, I rotatated the cross shaft to allow the release bearing assy to come forward & out along the trans input shaft. But the shaft would hardly turn! I had to tap the linkage attachment cam lever with a hammer to get the shaft to rotate! Then I took a drift and hammer to the RH side and knocked the pin in to loosen it up. Several srayings of PB Blaster latter and a little lube, the shaft now rotates freely with the wieght of the release fork.
What happened is the previous owners let the tractor sit out in the weather and the pin was staring to rust into the rear bell housing. So when the clutch was engaged for operation, I doubt it ever fully engaged, it couldn't -- just like riding the clutch with a heavy foot. But this wasnt obvious when trying to operate the tractor.
Off to the rebuilder it goes today. The engine to bellhousing mating surface will have some RTV sealant when reassembled this time, what a rusty mees! Thinking of Kevlar for the drive disk, anyone ever tried it?
My LH brake pedal doesn't raise back up after my foot release, I have to pull it up by hand. Looks like I'll be tearing that apart as well.
After disconnecting the clutch linkage, I rotatated the cross shaft to allow the release bearing assy to come forward & out along the trans input shaft. But the shaft would hardly turn! I had to tap the linkage attachment cam lever with a hammer to get the shaft to rotate! Then I took a drift and hammer to the RH side and knocked the pin in to loosen it up. Several srayings of PB Blaster latter and a little lube, the shaft now rotates freely with the wieght of the release fork.
What happened is the previous owners let the tractor sit out in the weather and the pin was staring to rust into the rear bell housing. So when the clutch was engaged for operation, I doubt it ever fully engaged, it couldn't -- just like riding the clutch with a heavy foot. But this wasnt obvious when trying to operate the tractor.
Off to the rebuilder it goes today. The engine to bellhousing mating surface will have some RTV sealant when reassembled this time, what a rusty mees! Thinking of Kevlar for the drive disk, anyone ever tried it?
My LH brake pedal doesn't raise back up after my foot release, I have to pull it up by hand. Looks like I'll be tearing that apart as well.