AC 180 - Main Clutch or PD Clutches

I have recently purchased an Allis Chalmers 180. I have all three manuals for it; operators, service, and parts. I have used it lightly and serviced all fluids and filters. I have fixed almost all the leaks. All that I have left is one lift cylinder and the PS cylinder.

My question now is it acts like a tractor with a torque converter. Let me explain. In 1st and 2nd it pulls well. In 3rd and 4th if I get on the brakes it load the engine down but will not stall it out. I have not tried a PTO load yet but plan to this weekend.

Seems that under a heavy draft load in high or low is slows down but will not lug the tractor to a stall. If you take off in a higher gear it will slowly make speed like a forklift. If you have it in 3rd or 4th and try to let the clutch out on a steep hill (think low water creek crossing) it will not stall or climb hill.

The engine clutch linkage is almost taken up and it has at least 3" of free travel. Will a PTO load eliminate the engine clutch? I have not tee'ed in a hydraulic gauge to the pumps yet to check PSI to the PD.

My question is what steps should I take to eliminate possible slippage causes? I am from the Red IH school of learning an I'm used to mechanical TA's, not hydraulic PD's. What would the orange board do to troubleshoot?

Thanks guys,

CT

it sound to me like your main engine clutch is slipping best way to check is if it does it in high and low range its your main engine clutch if it only does it in low or high its you two speed power director clutch pack.

With the PTO engaged, momentarily stop the ground travel with the brakes. If the PTO stops, the engine clutch is the problem. If it doesn't stop, the power director is the problem.
If I remember correctly there are some little plugs in the valves under the dash which are test ports.

"I started a new post "Troubleshooting A-C 180 Power Director" to discuss my findings. Thanks!

CT