The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

hello all im new to the board

i have myself a diesel fordson major

i have a clutch that wont disengage any of you had a problem with a clutch on fordson before? when i go to select a gear the only way i can get it in is put the clutch on and give the engine a quick rev and the gearbox will select or else it will just grind

my other problem (and dangerous i might add) when driving if i go to clutch to stop the machine will keep driving for say 5 seconds then the clutch will finally disengage

your thoughts would be much appreciated!

great board!

Welcome to the board.

How much free play have you on the pedal? Should be around 3/4" to 1" from pedal to footplate.

Another problem could be a seizing "Toe" bearing in the fly wheel.
Or a faulty clutch thrust bearing and worn clutch release fingers.

Welcome Aboard Matey. Looks like you are already getting good advice. Brian is our most Expert Fordson Major Expert.

I will add this, I had several tractors years ago that had the symptoms that you discribe. It turned out to be thick rearend / motor oil on the clutch disk from a pluged drip hole. If you look underneath the midsection you should see a cotter hanging down. That is the drip hole under the clutch housing. If it is not there, poke around until you find it and see if oil runs out of the bottom when you unplug it. The tractors that I did this to had access to view the clutch and housings that I was able to put kerosene in and run the tractor for a short time, or use brake kleen to wash the oil off of the disk with the clutch depessed. I think the only possible hole you have in a Fordson Major would be the starter hole. Being that you cannot see the clutch from the starter hole, Kero and running the tractor for a short time would be your only option. Do this only if the clutch is oil soaked. If things are dry, refer to Brians advice. Dandy Dave!