MF 135 clutch question

Plysage · Nov 26, 2011

Put a new dual clutch in my 135 using the I&T shop manual. Went as well as can be expected for the first time, but I can't get the PTO to disengage. I put the pressure plate clearance at .090, then took it all the way down to .060 and still won't disengage. Everything else seems to work fine. Ideas?

suffolkboy · Nov 27, 2011

.090 is correct setting for the three PTO adjustment bolts, as long as you have sufficient travel on the pedal to operate second stage, and the three finger bolt adjusters are set correctly it should work fine, however the PTO plate can be fitted the wrong way round and this will prevent it from working correctly. I once had a brand new clutch plate (PTO) where the drive boss had been riveted in from the wrong side at the factory where the plate was made and this caused the same problem, hope thats not what has happened here.

Plysage · Nov 28, 2011

Thanks Suffolk boy. I'm a little fuzzy on the finger adjustment. I did the 1" per the I&T manual but that only left a few threads of the bolt in the fingers. As I look up through the inspection cover the bolt heads are about 1/8" off the throw out bearing. I can feel the pto plate engage when I push the clutch all the way down, but not quite enough. I had the clutch done at a local shop that I have 100% confidence in. Other ideas?

suffolkboy · Nov 29, 2011

finger adjustment is fairly basic, usually the adjuster bolt protrudes through the finger by a thread, not much more, there is a setting for them but cannot be done from outside. sounds like you followed the book anyhow, with other settings (.090) correct and pedal adjustment ok it should all work, as i mentioned before the PTO plate can be in the wrong way round and this will cause it not to work, also if the flywheel or any pressure plate surfaces have been skimmed this will cause problems with settings and may even stop it working alltogether. . I hate to say it but you may have to seperate tractor again if all else fails, worth checking the PTO engagement lever to ensure that it is engaging properly., sometimes the roll pin wears on the lever shaft and there is not enough travel to engage correctly causing grinding when trying to engage, a long shot but hey. Good luck, keep me informed, if you need any further info contact me

bushy48 · May 22, 2012

G'day Suffolk boy, was interested to read your explanation about PTO lever not engaging.... or with grating. Mine does this and occassionaly jumps out under load.
So what I want to ask, is this problem repairable by taking the external plate off or is is it the big split?
Any advice appreciated.

Dieseltech · May 23, 2012

Try adjusting freeplay to just under 1/8 inch at release bearing. As long as there is some clearance between bearing and lever bolts you will be fine. I know PTO release bolt spec is .090 per book but .080 will help your problem so main pressure plate will pick up PTO plate and release it sooner. Have even set some to .060 to help one get a little more life before replacing the clutch. PTO release bolts can be reset through inspection plate, you don't have to split it to reset to .080.

MasseyWV · May 23, 2012

I saved the following instructions from another TBN forum thread, but do not recall which thread it was. Perhaps you will find them useful.

bushy48 · May 24, 2012

Thanks for the replies guys, specially the diagram.
Will let you know if it solves the problem........ cheers

shona13 · Jun 7, 2012

g,Day
Did the clutch cover have compression /installation screws installed when you got it back from the shop if it did you did remove them after installing the clutch,just a thought.

Happy Days.
Hutch.