Smelly Clutch

jbunkley · Apr 7, 2009

I fired up my 3510 w/135 hrs today and after about 10 minutes the clutch started to smell really bad/strong. I don't ride the clutch and haven't used it in about a month. But today it smelled so bad I couldn't hardly stand it.

The clutch pedal starts to release very low as it did when it was new and I don't notice any slipping.

Could someone give me some hints?

Thanks

carpenter383 · Apr 7, 2009

When I was researching bransons I talked to a dealer who also rented tractors to people. He said they had some problems with clutches going out on the older models. (his were 2004 models) He said they corrected the problem for the newer models. Also he told me when they changed the clutches that they were informed to install remanufactured cluches not "new" cluches because of something to do with their ability to take the heat. He seemed knowlegable, but take it as you will, that's just what he told me. The two specific models that had the cluches replaced were a 3510 and a 3820........ Hope this helps

MarEng · Apr 8, 2009

We have an older 3510 and have had the 'hot clutch smell' on a few occasions but none in the last two years. Check your e-brake latch and make sure it's not stuck - this was the source of our problem on at least one occasion.

jbunkley · Apr 8, 2009

Thanks for the replys I'll check them out.

DavesTractor · Apr 9, 2009

jbunkley said:
Thanks for the replys I'll check them out.

Do you have 3/4" to 1" free play in the clutch pedal before you feel the throwout bearing contacting the clutch fingers? That is a good place to start to make sure that adjustment is correct. If not, the pressure plate may not be applying full force to the clutch disc, allowing slipping and heat...and excess heat will destroy the clutch.

jbunkley · Apr 9, 2009

I'm not sure I follow

carpenter383 · Apr 9, 2009

jbunkley said:
I'm not sure I follow

He's saying you need free play or "slack" in the clutch pedal so your not partially disengaging the clutch even without your foot on it. You should have some movment in the pedal before you feel it actually start to disengage. Hope this helps