1961 Ford 4030 - Clutch Problem?

[CedarHillFarm]

Despite decades of experience restoring classic cars, my knowledge of tractors is limited. My wife just bought an old tractor from a friend, and I have positively identified it as a 1961 Ford 4030 Light Industrial. It runs great, but won't move. It feels like the clutch is not engaging at all, or slipping terribly. I was hoping someone might suggest where I should start regarding troubleshooting. I have no repair documentation. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Greg

 

[strum456]

Despite decades of experience restoring classic cars, my knowledge of tractors is limited. My wife just bought an old tractor from a friend, and I have positively identified it as a 1961 Ford 4030 Light Industrial. It runs great, but won't move. It feels like the clutch is not engaging at all, or slipping terribly. I was hoping someone might suggest where I should start regarding troubleshooting. I have no repair documentation. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Greg

What transmission does it have? Does it have a PTO, and does it work?

 

[Bigfoot62]

:welcome:

According to this website, Identifying Old Ford Tractors, your tractor should be basically the same as the 601, 801 tractors. I think you can buy a manual for the x01 series at TSC.

If it won't move at all, in any gear, it's likely going to be the clutch. There should be a dust cover on the bottom of the bell housing that would allow you to look at the clutch.

BTW, if you replace the clutch, that involves splitting the tractor. Go ahead and change both clutches (drive and PTO) pressure plate, throw-out bearing, etc, while you're at it. It's not worth the effort to do it all over again.

About the only other possible cause would be a broken input shaft, and that's unlikely.

 

[strum456]

How many gear positions does it have? If it has 10 with the gear shift mounted on the dash, it is a select o speed. These where common on the industrial models during that production run. If it is a SOS, it is definitely not the clutch (because it doesnt have one).

 

[CedarHillFarm]

It's a 4-Speed with hydraulics and PTO.

 

[strum456]

Check to see if the Pto works. If it doesnt, you definitely need a clutch.

 

[strum456]

I should clarify: make sure the tractor is in gear when doing the above test.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Despite decades of experience restoring classic cars, my knowledge of tractors is limited. My wife just bought an old tractor from a friend, and I have positively identified it as a 1961 Ford 4030 Light Industrial. It runs great, but won't move. It feels like the clutch is not engaging at all, or slipping terribly. I was hoping someone might suggest where I should start regarding troubleshooting. I have no repair documentation. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Greg

The first thing to do is to get a factory service manual for your tractor. With dealer shop costs on the order of $100 per hour, you'll pay for it quickly plus it will contain systems descriptions that will provide a lot of info about your machine. The IT manuals provide only limited information and I personally think they are worthless.

If the clutch just needs adjusting, someone can talk you through it. But if you have to replace the clutch then you'll have to split the tractor and the shop manal will be really useful. To checlk for slippage, start the tractor, put it in high gear and step on the brakes (assuming the brakes are good). Release the clutch, if the engine stalls and stops, the clutch is good. If the engine remains running, the clutch is shot.

 

[strum456]

The first thing to do is to get a factory service manual for your tractor. With dealer shop costs on the order of $100 per hour, you'll pay for it quickly plus it will contain systems descriptions that will provide a lot of info about your machine.

Agreed. You are going to need a manual regardless. I restore classic cars and tractors. There isn't that much difference really. Get yourself a manual and you'll be good to go.

Post back on the test I told you to do. I have never seen a clutch so bad that the tractor wouldn't even move, so I am curious.

 

[CedarHillFarm]

Quick update - I went to TSC today, but they had no manuals at all. It was raining, so further tests will have to wait a day or two. I'm very impressed by the prompt and informative responses here. Hope I can provide some useful info to others as I proceed...

 

[Jerry/MT]

Quick update - I went to TSC today, but they had no manuals at all. It was raining, so further tests will have to wait a day or two. I'm very impressed by the prompt and informative responses here. Hope I can provide some useful info to others as I proceed...

Look on ebay or try Tractor and Equipment Repair Manuals and More - Jensales. Also try your local New Holland dealer. New Holland bought the Ford tractor business and supports the older machnes with parts,etc.

 

[CedarHillFarm]

Ok - I did some more testing today. The PTO works. Does that mean that the clutch is ok, or is it likely that just the front clutch is bad? I ordered an I-T Shop Service manual last night.

 

[strum456]

Ok - I did some more testing today. The PTO works. Does that mean that the clutch is ok, or is it likely that just the front clutch is bad? I ordered an I-T Shop Service manual last night.

If you want, pm me your number and I'll give you a call.

Did you have it in gear like I said when checking the pto?

 

[Ford tractor]

If you want, pm me your number and I'll give you a call.

Did you have it in gear like I said when checking the pto?

To make the pto spin on a 4 speed, it has to be in gear and moving.

The OP did that, right?

 

[whodat526]

To make the pto spin on a 4 speed, it has to be in gear and moving.

The OP did that, right?

the tractor dont have to move for the pto to work but the tractor does have a single clutch

to the op have you tried to run pto with something connected the pto could still spin with a burned out clutch if nothing is connected it to put it under a load

i think you clutch is out

 

[strum456]

Exactly. The point of my test is this. If the pto spins with the tractor in gear but the tractor is not moving (for an unknown reason), the clutch has been eliminated as the immediate problem.

If the clutch was slipping, the pto would not spin, since it shares the same clutch. Try this without putting the tractor in gear, and the test is useless because even a bad clutch would spin the pto with no load.

 

[whodat526]

Exactly. The point of my test is this. If the pto spins with the tractor in gear but the tractor is not moving (for an unknown reason), the clutch has been eliminated as the immediate problem.

If the clutch was slipping, the pto would not spin, since it shares the same clutch. Try this without putting the tractor in gear, and the test is useless because even a bad clutch would spin the pto with no load.

yea that would be the easiest way to find out the problem

 

[strum456]

If the clutch comes out ok as described, then he could jack up the rear tires, put it in gear and try turing one tire. The opposite tire will turn backwards if all is well in the transmission and differential. Maybe he has a broken axle or something???

Edit: I should note, it is important to rule out the clutch prior to this test, or it will tell you nothing.

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. cause it could be an aft issue...a snapped axle, pinion or ring gear broke loose..

 

[strum456]

Thats what I am thinking soundguy. Have you guys ever seen a clutch that bad? The springs would have had to fly out of the thing. Even with no friction pad left at all, wouldnt it still move the tractor a little?