231S clutch sticking

[chh]

BIL and sis have a 231S that is about 4 years old with around 150 hrs on it. It sits outside and is not used much at all especially in the winter. They told me last week the clutch was sticking down(apparently doing this for awhile) and that you had to pull it up with a foot to get it to engage. After checking it this morning I thought I would ask if anybody has had this problem before we start digging deeper. The upper pivot is free, there are no counterbalance springs, and the pedal comes about 1/2 way up before stopping. Attempting to move the lower shaft(the one that runs thru the case) it is very stiff. This is the shaft the owners manual says to turn to adjust the clutch.
I think the shaft is corroded going into the case and is binding and said to squirt it some with a penetrating oil and work the pedal to see if anything frees up. He is thinking it is the throw-out bearing sticking and that the tractor will have to be split.
Any other ideas out there?

 

[scott_vt]

I think the shaft is corroded going into the case and is binding and said to squirt it some with a penetrating oil and work the pedal to see if anything frees up. He is thinking it is the throw-out bearing sticking and that the tractor will have to be split.
Any other ideas out there?

Good Afternoon Chuck,
Yep I think your on the right track ! Any part that you can get some penetrating oil on can only help.

Does the throw-out bearing make any noise ? Something is obviously binding or hanging up, with the throw-out bearing the most likely culprit !

Unfortunately a split is the only thing that will answer all the questions !

And if you do split it you may as well replace everything !

Good luck !

 

[chh]

Hey Scott,
I was hoping somebody had something easy, but oh well. He is going to try using PB Blaster penetrant on the shaft and working the pedal for a few days, just to see if it is a sticking shaft and if it will pop loose. Sis has been strongly hinting for more hp and a cab for the last couple of years since she is the main operator. I guess we will see.
I am just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the "easy" fix.