Transmission/Clutch Question before a purchase

NCmau

Member
Hi gents, I went to look at an 8N late model. I really like this tractor but it needs some TLC but the price is good. The major concern I have is engaging the clutch. It is hard to engage and grinds like hell. I would not mind if it needs just a clutch replacement. My concern is if it is a transmission problem. I realize that the skimpy details I am giving you is not enough to make an accurate assessment. Still, I would appreciate a ball park guess if it is a clutch or transmission problem.
The tractor has some carburetion and other minor issues but the engine really sounds good.
 
Grinding gears when engaging the clutch is usually caused by the clutch not fully releasing, maybe an oil problem, is it leaking any oil from the weep hole with the cotter pin in it below the clutch? Tranny leak is an easy fix, engine oil not so easy. If the grinding is real bad, the trans could have some problems tho. anyway that is my opinion, others will have there's.
 
(quoted from post at 18:17:57 05/01/18) How much free play of the clutch pedal is there?

I don't know. It was a quick inspection and the owner drove it. After all that crunching, I took a negative view on this tractor. But afterwards I thought that it if it is just matter of the clutch it would be okay, but tranny work I don't want to get into. After setting 5 years in a shed, the owner said the clutch needed to loosen up but I don't know if I could believe him. The tractor is located 100 miles from my house and I have to have somebody to bring it.
The deal is $900, but if I have pay transportation, it would be another $400. It requires considerable TLC but I think if it is just the clutch, it would be wort it.
 
A clutch pilot bearing that is bad can cause the grinding when trying to put the tractor into gear but the grinding will stop when the transmission is in gear. It will require the tractor to be split to replace it but the bearing itself is cheap.
 
After setting 5 years in a shed, the owner said the clutch needed to loosen up but I don't know if I could believe him.

That sounds reasonable to me. May just need to be worked a bit and then block the clutch when parked.
 

Well it is done. I told him to send it down, $1300 including transport. Pushing 80, I hope I am doing the right thing but I need a project. If it is the clutch, I don't mind spitting and put a new kit, less than $100 should take do it. I did a split on a 9N almost 20 years ago and as I recall, that was not too bad.The only thing that scares me is the transmission.
 
Congratulations on your new purchase. I think you'll be fine. Lightly slip the clutch a few times to polish everything up. Not uncommon for the pressure plate or flywheel to rust after sitting for an extended period.

Block the clutch down when parked.

"NCmau" - Is that for [u:c96980c47d]M[/u:c96980c47d]arine [u:c96980c47d]A[/u:c96980c47d]ir [u:c96980c47d]U[/u:c96980c47d]nit? If so, ever stationed at Camp Lejeune?
 
(quoted from post at 11:15:02 05/03/18) Congratulations on your new purchase. I think you'll be fine. Lightly slip the clutch a few times to polish everything up. Not uncommon for the pressure plate or flywheel to rust after sitting for an extended period.

Block the clutch down when parked.

"NCmau" - Is that for [u:810cee87e2]M[/u:810cee87e2]arine [u:810cee87e2]A[/u:810cee87e2]ir [u:810cee87e2]U[/u:810cee87e2]nit? If so, ever stationed at Camp Lejeune?

More like…[b:810cee87e2]M[/b:810cee87e2]obile [b:810cee87e2]A[/b:810cee87e2]ir Force [b:810cee87e2]U[/b:810cee87e2]nit…24 years…last place Pope AFB, NC.
Anyway, thank you all for the encouragements. I will be visiting you guys very soon during this [b:810cee87e2]Winter Project[/b:810cee87e2] done in the summer.
 
If you have to split to replace the clutch, also replace pilot bearing, throw out bearing and the front transmission seal.
good luck
 

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