Clutch issues TA545

[Dazza3431]

Hi all, recently my TA545 tractor's main clutch won't fully disengage when the pedal is pushed to the floor.
I have tried bringing the tractor up to running temp however this does not alter the problem, regardless of which gear chosen it clashes/grinds whilst trying to put it into gear.
"If" I am successfull in getting into gear with lots of paitiance the tractor moves only when the clutch pedal is completely up, there seems to be very little tolerance at either end of the clutch pedal & alot of nothing inbetween.
My first throughts would be to adjust the turnbuckle rod below the pedal to reduce free play however I am not sure that is the problem.
Any help or similar issues on advise would be great!

 

[Harry in Ky]

Reducing the free play will add some stroke to the "disengagement" action inside, yes. BUT it's uncommon among typical clutch related problems for that to be necessary. While there can be a few different reasons for a clutch to develop what you're describing, external adjustment is rarely a solution. Plan on opening it up to see what's going on.

 

[Dazza3431]

Hi Harry, thanks for the info.
I wasn't looking forward to a big job! When you say "opening it up" do you mean pulling the motor out to check the clutch or is there an easier way to have a bit of a visual check?

 

[Harry in Ky]

An easier way to have a bit of a visual check? That depends on just how the tractor cases are designed. Sometimes there removable covers designed for access to certain clutch components that require periodic adjustment. I'm not at all familiar with you particular model so I won't speak to that. Even if that's the case, the problems you describe are usually not repairable though a small opening. Typically clutch replacement or major repair requires splitting the tractor, not necessarily "pulling the motor out". No, it's not something most people would look forward to, but unfortunately if adjustment doesn't help, your choices are limited.

 

[Dazza3431]

Thanks Harry.
I will give the turnbuckle adjustment a try first (nothing to loose!).
Gathering as much info as I can is helpful, thanks again.

 

[HayFarmer]

One of mine is leaking transmission oil onto the clutch. Causes the same problem you have. If I hose it down with brake cleaner, it'll stop doing it.

 

[Dazza3431]

Good advise HayFarmer, I will check that out when we have a nice sunny day!
I am also in the process of adjusting the turnbuckle as previously mentioned, I was able to get some movement out of it but then it got dark & rainy so will get back to it another day.

Thanks again to you & Harry for the handy hints.

 

[fustsgt]

Actually breaking the tractor in two, and changing the clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing is a major job, but not really a hard one. My wife and I are in our early 80's, and we broke our Shibaura D23 in half and replaced the clutch components by by ourselves. Took three days of part time work, we took lots of pictures of how things were taken apart. Biggest problem was removing the loader mounts (due to weight). Level floor, and the halves can just roll apart, and then back together.

 

[Dazza3431]

Encouraging to hear of your tractor split project fustsgt, I too have a loader on the front.
As I and my helpers all currently work fulltime it is a slow process to get any work done but all the extra info I am gaining is great.