Clutch Noise - Ferguson TO-30

[Tucker08]

Wondering what I am "in for." When I start my Ferguson TO-30 for the first time of the day and let my foot off of the clutch I somewhat soft groaning / low pitch whine. After it has been running a while it does not do it. Am I hearing a throw out bearing? a bushing? The plates. The Clutch itself? Has anyone experienced this before? If so, will I be breaking the thing in half right away, or do I have some time?

Thanks in advance for any insight...

 

[Soundguy]

throw out bearing will whine when bad, when clutch is pressed.

input shaft bearing will whine when clutch NOT pressed.

proper lube inthe trans?

any input shaft seal leaks. if the input shaft bearing is growling and getting loose.. seal is soon to follow.

post back

 

[Tucker08]

throw out bearing will whine when bad, when clutch is pressed.

input shaft bearing will whine when clutch NOT pressed.

proper lube inthe trans?

any input shaft seal leaks. if the input shaft bearing is growling and getting loose.. seal is soon to follow.

post back

Thank you.
I have the proper trans fluid as it is for early ford tractors. The tractor sat a lot over the last 10 years and I just drained the fluid and changed it about 8 operating hours ago. The noise does not happen when the clutch is fully depressed; only when I am releasing it. When fully depressed it goes away again. I do not know of ant seal leakage on the input shaft, but would it be visible?

 

[Soundguy]

a leaky input shaft seal will dribble out the bellhousing drain

 

[Tucker08]

a leaky input shaft seal will dribble out the bellhousing drain

Thanks. That is what I guessed after I asked. I will do more research and will post again when I do. May be looking at a winter project.

 

[MasseyWV]

It sounds to me like it may be the throw out bearing. Earlier this year when I was shopping for a good used Massey 135 tractor (similar to the TO-30) I tested a few that had the same unmistakable sound you described, and at the time the first thing I thought of was the throw out bearing. As mentioned previously, it could also be a result of a number or other things too so I wouldn't rule them out until you've inspected everything.