D-17 doesn't have neutral

That clutch is a little like your MF in that it stops the forward motion of the tractor but allows the PTO to continue. The WD and WD-45 clutches did that too. But they did not have the high and low feature incorporated. So what you have is two clutches in one. When it's in high, or forward, the drive is direct as if it didn't have the clutch at all. But when you go into the rear position, or low, it disconnects the high clutch and activates the low clutch which is connected to some reduction gears, and there's your low. It's sure not complicated, but it does have to be like Allis-Chalmers says, or all kinds of things can crop up, like you see.

If you're very interested in the tractor all you need do is get someone to go in through the small plate on the side by the lever and adjust the clutch according to the book, which is a procedure that must be done correctly, but it doesn't take long and is no big deal. Anyone that's not familiar with the clutch or that doesn't have a manual to go by can not do it. It's a matter of moving shims around and it has to be done right. For example, the same specified total amount of shims must always be present, but moved from one of the three locations at each ear to the other after taking measurements inside. Additionally, the center shims have longer legs for support. It sounds terrible, but it's not, just has to be done right. It is not a simple matter off just going inside and tightening something or removing some shims. There's a definite procedure that must be followed.

Then, If the clutch won't adjust or the adjustment doesn't help obtain a neutral, then you may have more on your hands than you'd want to fool with, because the tractor may have to be split for the clutch repair. The kicker is whether it's just out of adjustment, meaning maybe somebody messed with it not knowing what they were doing, or whether something really is wrong. Do the easy thing first by getting it adjusted. After that you'll know what to do. If I can help, let me know.

God Bless. Pon

I also have the information I could send you either by fax, snail mail, or maybe even my scanner would work for me for e-mailing. But someone should have the info nearby. If not, let me know and I'll send you the stuff straight out of the Allis-Chalmers factory manual on how to do it. Getting a hold of the proper shims is another matter for I don't know where they can be obtained. Hope this helps. That clutch just ain't that big a deal, I think it just needs a little help. When you get it right it's a honey, and you sure won't be able to hold the tractor with the brakes in any gear. God Bless.

Pon

James

The Allis dealer will, or at least should know how to do a proper clutch adjustment which is done through the little plate behind the lever, and I think that may do the trick. Oft times somebody goes in them not knowing what they're doing and leave them in a fix as to shim placement and all. The job takes about thirty minutes, and you'd have time to drink a cup of coffee doing it. You just pull up a stool and do the little routine.

Happy New Year also to you and yours.

Pon

James

When you get a chance, check that oil and get any heavy transmission stuff it may have in it out. Then refill with 20 weight motor oil. Then start the tractor and push the button down while moving the lever slowly back and forth where it appears neutral should be. When you find the best spot, see if releasing the button will cause the latch to fall in its notch on the bracket it goes in. If not, you can loosen those two bolts that hold that and slide the bracket a little one way or the other for its holes are slotted. Then when you put the latch in its notch by releasing the button it will be in its neutral.

I hope your dealer is right and all goes well, but I would have it checked and adjusted just the same because the adjustment is not just for the high and low, it is also for the neutral. If the total stack of shims, for example, is not correct then you'd have trouble with neutral. It's no big deal, maybe you'll do fine without it, which I hope. But if it doesn't act right to suit you, get them to check it because it is a fine setup that works really well when it's right.

Good luck and God Bless. Holler if I can help. My Dad and I were a dealer also for nearly thirty years.

Pon