CT235 Clutch Stuck UPDATE

[mudbogger]

Well I removed the starter and shot a load of brake cleaner in the housing hoping to free it up. The machine sat a few days with the clutch pedal latched. The starter was shot so had to replace it. I ordered it from American Engines Co American Engines: Starters Alternators Generators and Parts for $320 including shipping. The local Bobcat dealer wanted $469 ouch! Anyways the clutch did free up and is working fine. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[teg]

...The starter was shot so had to replace it...

How old was the tractor to have had the starter "shot"???

 

[mudbogger]

How old was the tractor to have had the starter "shot"???

The tractor is '09 and starters don't like water. Especially muddy water! Thats why the clutch was stuck. Its a good idea to keep the tractor out of the water. Now just waiting for the alternator to act up. Its working ok now.

 

[teg]

Ahh, the rest of the story... got it :thumbsup: ..it happens.

 

[SSdoxie]

If you were running in water that deep you may want to change engine oil too. Water can wick in around the crankshaft seals. Seals are meant to keep oil in and dirt out but the rotation of the crankshaft can draw water through the seal.

 

[wallace]

There is a drain for the clutch housing.
It is good practice to take that plug out during your routine maintenance. Most of the time you will find nothing comes out, but it only takes a couple minutes to do.
Check your manual for the location. If you can not find it I will take a picture for you..

 

[Canada_CT230]

Does the CT230 have a drain too?

 

[SSdoxie]

Does the CT230 have a drain too?

Yes it does.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I guess I have to learn where that is to check once in a while... but I would doubt my machine has any water as it lives inside a shed and has never gone swimming.

 

[lilranch2001]

I guess I have to learn where that is to check once in a while... but I would doubt my machine has any water as it lives inside a shed and has never gone swimming.

Yeah, I would be afraid to take My Bobcat swimming, all that iron and filled rears I'm pretty sure she would sink like a rock

:tractor:

 

[SSdoxie]

I've seen some with a little water in there after dealer prep. A stong pressure washer can push water in there. Just a good idea to take the plug out when doing oil changes.

 

[mudbogger]

If you were running in water that deep you may want to change engine oil too. Water can wick in around the crankshaft seals. Seals are meant to keep oil in and dirt out but the rotation of the crankshaft can draw water through the seal.

Unfortuately the water wasn't by choice. It was a flash flood and the water covered the starter and some of the alternator. The motor didn't go under and fluids are good. It took 3 months until the insurance co decided what to do. Yes, it sat for 3 months after the flood. Anyways, I'm in the process of bringing it back to life. Just purchased a service manual to get me started.

 

[SSdoxie]

Water up to the alternator would have covered both dipsticks for enigne and hydraulic fluid. Dipsticks have a seal on them but I wouldn't trust them to be absoulte in flood water situation. At least check both for possible contamination, or if insurance will pay for it change fluids and start fresh with new fluids. The vent for front axle is just below the radiator so that got covered as well.

 

[lilranch2001]

I am just curious as to why you did not initially give any back ground on the flooding issue.
It seems like it would have been a big part of the story.

:confused2:

 

[teg]

I am just curious as to why you did not initially give any back ground...

He has seven posts... he's just new at the forum...

 

[mudbogger]

He has seven posts... he's just new at the forum...

Yep...I'm a newbie and still trying to figure out how to post stuff. So be gentle :ashamed:

I'd post a pic of the tractor if i could figure it out.

 

[lilranch2001]

Yep...I'm a newbie and still trying to figure out how to post stuff. So be gentle :ashamed:

I'd post a pic of the tractor if i could figure it out.

alright, sorry I jumped on ya, just dont do it again :laughing:

 

[teg]

Yep...I'd post a pic of the tractor if i could figure it out.

Either click on the paperclip (see photo) or scroll down below the "Submit Post" / "Preview Post" buttons to the manage attachment section. That will open another window and you should be able to take it from there (if not, just ask again).