MF 461 Clutch "Groan"

[TractorFella]

Hi All,

New to TractorByNet, and looking for some advice. 2 weeks ago, I bought a Massey Ferguson 461 - love this tractor. Has an 8X8 manual trans with a Perkins 3-cylinder turbo-diesel. Didn't notice it when I drove it on the lot, but first drive at home I noticed a groaning noise as I slip the clutch to start moving the tractor. Clutch pedal fully depressed - no noise. Clutch pedal fully released - no noise. Clutch does not slip at all, it holds very well when moving. But, after I select the range and gear, put the shuttle in forward, and release the clutch, I hear the groan until the pedal is fully out and the engine/transmission speeds are matched. More noticeable in higher gears, not so much in lower.

My thoughts:
Not throw-out bearing - would make noise with the clutch pedal depressed
Not pilot bearing - would think it would make noise all the time
I'm concerned the flywheel surface is not flat/warped, or has hot spots.

At this point I'm concerned to drive it, because I'd prefer to not catastrophically destroy something. I've seen a few similar posts of these symptoms, but none of them seem to have resolution. Any thoughts would be very helpful. Thanks!!

 

[sawtooth]

I cant help regarding the noise but wish I could. The Massey Ferguson 461 is a great tractor though hope you're able to fix it. Do you have any pictures of it?

 

[TractorFella]

Hi Sawtooth. Believe it or not, when I was doing research on the 461, I read a lot of your posts, and they helped convince me it was a good beast. Definitely not disappointed. I will post pictures ASAP. Thanks.

 

[sawtooth]

I really think you will love it. One of my favorites to date. Not sure if it's hilly around your place but they are very stable also. Engine is super smooth too

 

[TractorFella]

Here she be. Napping in her crib. Hopefully you can see the pictures. I think it spent a lot of time in the sun with the previous owner. A paint job is something I'd like to do in the future. For now it's grease, fluid checks, a small fix here and there, and all other maintenance. Just hope to understand the current issue soon.

 

[TractorFella]

Placed a video of the noise on YouTube so anyone can take a look. You can hear the noise at 4 seconds, and 18 seconds. Might need PC speakers to hear it better as it's not as noticeable on my phone.

MF 461 Clutch Noise - YouTube

Thanks again.

 

[sawtooth]

Nice tractor. I heard the noise but wish I could help you. Maybe someone else can pick up on what it might be. Anyone?

 

[TractorFella]

Well, going to put this to rest. Got a hold of my salesperson. Said not to worry about it. Tractor sat for a while, might have a little rust on the flywheel. If it gets worse he will come out to my house to help diagnose and take it for a spin. Thanks anyway. Everyone have a good weekend!

 

[banjodunn]

G'day sounds to me like it might have a ceramic clutch in it to me that is a good thing with a loader as they bite alot harder but they do not like to slip and sometimes can be noisy when engaging.


Jon

 

[TractorFella]

G'day sounds to me like it might have a ceramic clutch in it to me that is a good thing with a loader as they bite alot harder but they do not like to slip and sometimes can be noisy when engaging.


Jon

Hi Jon.
Thanks for the reply. That's good to know. Wouldn't have thought of that one.
Take care.