Water on Flywheel

japody · Dec 27, 2014

Had a problem with the starter not kicking in on my 1969 Ford 5000. Heard a clicking when I turned the key. Voltage was good. Took starter off and found rust on the bendix which was stuck in place. Looked inside where the bendix engages the flywheel and saw that there were water droplets on the flywheel. Now I'm trying to figure out how moisture is getting in there. Could it be a leaking freeze plug? I'm hoping it's not a freeze plug which probably means I'll have to break the tractor in half to get to it. Anyone have any ideas? Really appreciate the help. Thanks and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all.

JimRB · Dec 27, 2014

Condensation? Cold metal and then a passing warm humid front can cause condensation.

AGRIMAN · Dec 27, 2014

There's a drain hole underneath the clutch housing, which should have the head of a cotter key sticking out of it. This is the jiggle pin, it's to keep the hole from getting clogged up. Check and make sure the pin in still in and the hole is clear.

If the hole is clogged condensation will build up in the housing and cause the rust.

japody · Dec 27, 2014

I've seen that pin you're referring to and wondered what it was for. I'll check that in morning. Thanks.

pmsmechanic · Dec 28, 2014

Is the tractor stored outside in the rain? I've seen a flywheel housing fill up with water just from rain.

japody · Dec 28, 2014

I'm afraid it is. Is there any other way for water to get in there beside condensation?

AGRIMAN · Dec 28, 2014

Yes, but the it could be able to get out by the drain hole.

Ultradog MN · Dec 30, 2014

japody said:
I'm afraid it is. Is there any other way for water to get in there beside condensation?

If it's just water then it's probably condensation.
If it antifreeze then you likely have a rusted out soft plug in the block behind the flywheel.

pmsmechanic · Dec 30, 2014

japody said:
I'm afraid it is. Is there any other way for water to get in there beside condensation?

I split a 4020 because rain had run into the flywheel housing and rusted the clutch plate onto the flywheel. When I put the tractor back together I sealed the top half of the flywheel housing flanges with silicone so that the water couldn't run in again.