MF35 Clutch Problem

Bradsnelson

New User
I am new to the tractor world, I just purchased a 1964 Massey Ferguson 35 turf special has the Continental engine and a loader. I was clearing some brush when I pressed the clutch and an awful low tone squeal began. I could feel a hard vibration in the pedal and the engine RPM dropped like it was under a load. So I headed back to park the tractor which was about 300 feet. the squealing stopped but now there is about three inches of play in the pedal and on the last two inches the transmission will disengage but the PTO does not. I thought it might be the bearing but I am not familiar with a dual clutch. any help would be very appreciated. I just purchased the shop manual so I will be digging into that but I am not sure that will help me troubleshoot the problem. I am going to try and adjust the clutch pedal but I don't think that will help.
 
Release bearing probably died, then ground off the release arm ends on the pressure plate. Remove the bottom inspection plate and have a look, most likely clutch repair time..
 
Clutch repair on the 35 is not difficult. If you want to try it, read MF 35 (and up) Tractor Assembly Notes by Jack Wetmore in the Research and Info section then Articles on the left of this website.
 
OH I hope dieseltec is wrong about the fingers... but even if it is just the release bearing... it is another instance of '3 day job for 3 dollar part'....
don't worry about it being a 'farm tractor', any friend or relative who did clutches on cars, trucks, even a gearhead who plays with rods can be a big help to you. The technology and design is easier to get into than you or they'd think.... good luck
 
If it where me I'd just put a whole new clutch kit in it while it's apart. Chances are if you just change the throw out bearing something else in the clutch could possibly fail soon afterwards. It's easier (to me anyways) to put a clutch in a tractor, than a car, or truck.
 
Dieseltech nailed it! I checked out the clutch and the fingers were worn off. I guess it is a whole new clutch system. I guess I will be getting to know this tractor a lot more in the next few days. Thanks for the help guys, I really like this forum.
 

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