Help - 39 RTS Transmission Issues

MMEd · Oct 17, 2013

I have an early 1939 RTS that has transmission problems - 1st, 3rd, & 4th work fine but it won't go into 2nd or Reverse. I know thats the center rail of the shift linkage. It was this way when I bought it and it has no brakes, so I parked it til I get around to working on it. But I had to move it around to get to another tractor and it suddenly decided to go into 2nd & R with a bit of effort. Now its back to not going into 2nd & R. Any ideas on what might be the problem / solution? All help appreciated.

Heath72 · Oct 17, 2013

I had a similar problem on my 1940 RTS. I pulled the transmission cover and discovered that the shift rails were shot, very heavily rusted. I think the culprit was years and years of sitting in the Canadian elements without a gear shift boot.

I installed a set of really nice used shift rails and it shifts like a new one now. Taking the cover off was a good idea anyway, as the tranny needed alot of flushing and cleaning to get the old sludge out.

MMEd · Oct 17, 2013

I was kind of afraid I was going to have to pull tank etc and trans cover. Where did you find rails?

Heath72 · Oct 17, 2013

It's not really a bad job. You can have it all apart in about an hour. I happened to find a very nice set of shift rails on ebay for like $25.00, so I got lucky there. You can see the old rusty ones on the left...the replacements are on the right, what a difference.

MMEd · Oct 17, 2013

Thanks for the pictures - I'm thinking my problem must be wear at the top fork on rear of center rail under shift lever - somehow the center shaft has jammed into the guide so that it can not move either forward or aft unless I get lucky - once in a blue moon. Most likely I need the center rod and / or the guide. Guess I'll have to take top off to figure it out.

Tim Yates · Oct 18, 2013

You can see where the round balls ride on the center shaft . These grooves are the areas to weld up and grind back down smooth with a flap wheel on a grinder. Fixing the notches will help eliminate jumping out of gear when under load. There are several Moline salvage yards that can help as well. Jeff Gravertt, in Nebraska. Wendell Everett in Ohio, Welters in Missouri I think.

Clyde in Colo · Oct 23, 2013

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Minneapolis-Moline-R-RTU-RTR-RTS-RTN-RTE-Shift-Fork-Guide-RT-356-RT-353-/221302897908?pt=BI_Heavy_Equipment_Parts&hash=item3386ae3cf4

This guy has 3 listings.......depending opn which rail you want.

MMEd · Nov 3, 2013

Thanks - I bought all 3 rails. But they are significantly worn. When I got trans apart, only need 2nd / Reverse rail - it was rusted solid to ball and rear guide. Other 2 are in much better shape wear wise than the ones I bought. Guess I"ll put it back together with used rail and see how it shifts - and keep looking for a better 2nd/R rail. Based on wear possible issue would seem to be popping out of gear.

Help - 39 RTS Transmission Issues

MMEd

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Heath72

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MMEd

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Heath72

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MMEd

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Tim Yates

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Clyde in Colo

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MMEd

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