MT1601D Starter/Clutch

Bedruggled Old Moose · May 5, 2013

Hello everyone:
SO, I got this tractor for free, because the owner had no time to work on it, and had the $$ to get a nice new JD tractor.
Problem is no clutch action. First, of course, I have to get the thing started. Started did whir, but now is dead. Obviously a solenoid problem, but bypassing it did nothing-except maybe ruin it, cause' now nothing happens even when conecting the battery directly to the starter motor lead.
So--PLEASE--tell me it is not necessary to split this tractor in order to get that hidden last starter bolt out. Pleeese?
The Japanese would not be so heartless in their engineering, would they ?

skylarkguy · May 5, 2013

Need a fee more details...like model of tractor etc

Bedruggled Old Moose · May 5, 2013

Hello.
It is a MT1601d. It has a front bucket. Pretty substantial unit for a small tractor. This is a gray market rice paddy tractor.
I have started taking out the starter but obviously it isn't loose, and it seems as if it is back bolted twice: one I removed from the back, but it appears as if there's another beneath the bell housing. I plan on (maybe, if I have to ) splitting the tractor anyway, but I was hoping to get it running first just to diagnose the clutch problem.
Currently I am searching for an affordable manual, even in PDF form, but so far I haven't found anything.
I can't believe the Japanese, being such good Engineers, would make it necessary to split a tractor to remove a starter, but, as they say in England, "there it is".
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

284 International · May 5, 2013

I would be very surprised if your Mitsubishi was designed to require splitting in order to remove the starter. Your machine has a K3C engine, nothing really unusual or oddball. Sometimes there can be a locating dowel pin that might look like a bolt from the back side, but I bet you will find two bolts, or nuts, on the front side of the starter. Since it has a loader, they are very likely difficult/impossible to find or access.

Off-topic: What an amazing deal you scored on the tractor! Wow!

Bedruggled Old Moose · May 6, 2013

Ah! A pin. Of course. I removed the alternator to get a look back there and saw a bulbous area in the casting; that's why I envisioned a hidden bolt. But of, course; a locating dowel! Duh.
Been too long away from mechanical stuff, I guess. Manana' I'll prise the starter from the side - gently- and I'll bet it wiggles out. It may never have been out. Since it has tires that look like paddles I'll bet it was used in a very wet area like a rice paddy and the pin's probably rusted. The starter looks like sheet metal so I was hesitant to beat on it much.
As for the price: yes indeed! My friend is going to have both - arghh - both knees replaced at once, so he's anxious to get things done, and his wife and he agreed he'd never get to it,so... They even had a tow truck flatbed deliver it! How could I resist?
I'll let you know what transpires. I'm hoping that I can solve the clutch problem without tearing it apart.
Thanks!

skylarkguy · May 6, 2013

Sorry missed the model in the title...i'd agree that splitting the tractor to remove the starter seems unlikely.

Bedruggled Old Moose · May 7, 2013

No dowel, but lots of corrosion. Aluminum starter housing, steel bell housing, salt water-laden air: presto!-corrosion. A tap with a wooden dowel after soaking with penetrating oil, and Viola'- she comes out. I took it apart and cleaned it and it seems to work. Tomorow will tell if it spins the engine.

Bedruggled Old Moose · May 7, 2013

Not only does it spin, but it runs! Valves clatter like a mother, but hey-it runs and the hydraulics work. As for the clutch: nada. I can even start the engine in gear;nothing but gears grinding. If I push it past the initial grinding it goes easily into any gear and the tractor creeps a tiny bit but that's it.
I'm thinking maybe clutch disc stuck to flywheel?