MF 290 Clutch Problems

lt622fd · Jun 25, 2016

Good evening everyone. I'm new to this site, so bare with me. I am currently using my father in laws MF 290, which I have several times over the last couple of years. Today, while I was attempting to pull start the tractor (pulling behind my truck), I felt a pop in the clutch, then it was like the clutch was not there. Honestly it feels like something may have broke inside. I do not have a service manual for the tractor, but, it is on my list of things to get, especially since I use it frequently. I am comfortable around mechanic work. Could some one give me some things to look at or for? Also, since i began using it, the only way to engage the PTO was to shut the tractor off, engage PTO, then restart the tractor. I would like to possible look into this as well, since I do use it and hate having to shut down the tractor just to engage the PTO.

aircommuter · Jun 25, 2016

All you can do from the outside is to check the linkage and make it is moving at all points.

Working on Rust · Jun 25, 2016

I am not familiar with that exact model but I have worked on some similar ones.
When you say the clutch is not there, do you mean the clutch is locked engaged and will not release or that it is released and will not let any power through it?
As far as the PTO clutch, assuming the tractor has live PTO and not independent PTO, the PTO clutch disk can be adjusted separately from the transmission clutch disk to compensate for uneven wear. In my experience it is fairly common that the PTO clutch adjustment has not been kept up on and results in only engaging with the engine off. If that is the only problem it can usually be adjusted in about an hour or two if there is no loader on the tractor. From the problems and pop feeling you described, I would not be surprised if splitting the tractor to repair it is necessary
Other things to look at, there is a hatch under the clutch housing held on with four bolts. If you have a loader the loader frame is very likely cover up this hatch. If you can get to the hatch you can look up in there and see if anything is obviously wrong or if the hatch has broken bits on it.

stuckmotor · Jun 25, 2016

As for the manual, I'd try to get a printed manual rather than a photo copy. Sometimes the photo copies are difficult to read. Ebay is sometimes a good source.
I can't add much to what Working on Rust said except that I've read that some MFs have a break away coupling in the transmission designed to break under too much stress and save further damage. A guy was complaining when he had to pay the dealer to fix his. I think the dealer charged less than $300.00.

Here's a url to the sacrificial coupler story on a MF 231.

Problem - Massey Ferguson 231

lt622fd · Jun 25, 2016

Thanks for the replies. The tractor does have a loader on it. I'll try to explain what is going on with the clutch. When working normally, when you press the clutch, it has resistance and will return to the starting position when released. After the pop, when you press the clutch, there is zero resistance and will not return to the starting position.
Hearing about the break away coupling, imagine that coupling breaking and the shaft no longer connected. Just kind of floating in air.
Sorry if this doesn't make sense, but it's the best I can describe it. As far as splitting the tractor, I understand the concept. Being a little above average, is this something I can tackle, or should I leave that to a professional?

stuckmotor · Jun 25, 2016

I think you posted before I added the link to my reply. If you click on the link I added you can see whether the poster is describing the same pop you heard.

Working on Rust · Jun 26, 2016

I am not aware of these series of tractors having a breakaway coupling in the transmission. They might, but I don't think so. Also, is your tractor 8 speed or Multi Power transmission?
Check if all of the linkage between the clutch pedal and the the release shaft the goes into the bell housing is working or if something on the outside let go. If all is well on the outside I would guess something on the order of broken release fingers or pressure plate casting mounts or a some problem with where the cross release shaft connects to the throw out bearing carrier.
Splitting a tractor like that is a bit of work, you need a smooth hard floor, many jacks and blocks, and a helper for rolling it apart and back together. I have read of doing a clutch job on a tractor in less than a day of time, going slowly and first few times it took me a week of afternoons.