MF65 clutch

Phil Tibbetts

Well-known Member
Got the 65 split to rebuild the engine which spun a rod bearing. The clutch would never throw out the second stage. I just got this tractor the past summer. The clutch plates and the pressure plate all are in like new condition, must have been recently replaced. I want to get this fixed before I put the engine back in. I know the setting for the 3 adjusting bolts is supposed to be .080 to .090 and it looked ok when I removed the clutch. The heads of the 6 rivets that hold the splined center to the pto plate have been rubbing on something on the transmission side but I cannot see what it might be. Is there any other adjustments that need to be made before I reinstall the clutch assembly?
 
The PTO rivets are worn by the three release lever bolts, when the levers are pushed in TOO FAR. Set the clutch up as the service manual says, use .080 inch gap on the three PTO release bolt heads. When testing the second stage clutch release, adjust as needed so the PTO/hydraulic pump just stops with the pedal one inch above the step plate, NO HIGHER. Watch the PTO, if you see it start turning again with the pedal completely down, INCREASE the free play as the release sleeve is moving too far..
 
The 3 fingers that work the clutch will rub the rivets if they get pushed too far forward. If you have the fingers with the bolts no more than 3 threads should be sticking out of the fingers toward the clutch plate side (no more than 2 threads is what I shoot for). Also not enough free play in the clutch pedal will push the levers too far, sometimes I find the free play sometimes needs to be a little more than specified to keep the fingers from hitting the rivets with the pedal all the way down to the floor board.
 
Thank you for the replies, I will check that out. I didn't think the fingers could go in that far but it makes sense now.
 
From what I can remember the nuts that lock the finger bolts were on the disc side of the arms. Are the nuts supposed to be on the throw out bearing side? That would make a big difference. Won't be able to look at it until tomorrow. Also I have a gauge that I made years ago for the MF 2 stage clutch on a turf special I had, but I can't remember what it was for on the clutch. If I recall it was about 5 or 6 inches long with a notch cut out in the middle about 1 inch deep. Will have to check that out too.
 
Hi Phil,
To add a little to what DT and PT have said;
I have always worked on the release finger screws being at least
full depth of thread in the fingers with the nuts on the
transmission side. If you suspect that the arms will travel in too
far lift the release levers against the springs and check for wear
in the 'figure 8' links and the pins. Check also for wear in the
lugs on the clutch pressure plate. Any of these will cause excess
travel on the release fingers.Are there shims fitted between the
clutch and flywheel? If you are unable to achieve satisfactory
clearance then a second set of shims may be required.
DavidP, South Wales
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top