MF3165 won't move. Transmission? Something else?

Hello,

I have a Massey Ferguson MF3165 with the AD4.203 Diesel. The tractor was running fine. Then after a shift from reverse into forward, nothing happened when I let off the clutch. It felt like the gear had engaged, but the tractor acted like it was still in neutral (rolled back). I tried different combinations of forward/reverse, high/low, and 1-2-3-4. Still nothing.

The gear levers seem to be working. It feels like it's getting into gear each time. There is a slight grind before engaging (like it normally does). I'm not hearing any other strange noises. I don't think the clutch is slipping because the RPMs don't change when I let off the clutch.

Any ideas where to start troubleshooting? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you.
 
It sounds like you have the standard mechanical transmission, not one of the torque converter drives. Assuming this I would carefully try the following things. Try applying the diff lock, and then each brake (one at a time) while the engine is running and the transmission is in gear. If it tries to move with any of those actions, your issues is likely in the rear axle. I would then (again carefully, at an idle) try shifting the transmission with the engine running but not using the clutch. If it doesnt grind I would think your problem is in the clutch or input shaft and then I would take the inspection cover off underneath. Does the 3 point hitch still work? Does the PTO still work?
 

Sounds like you may have sheared or lost the pin in the rear coupler. you could have also striped the coupler itself.

From the side covers you should be able to slide a cotter pin back in, at least the you can on the 35. Not certain about the 3165.
The rear cover might need to come off.

Some people with a 3165 maybe able to confirm for you.

from the parts manual
https://ca.parts.agcocorp.com/en_CA/apbsearch?q=masseyferguson/651204/l&name=3165+UTILITY+%2F+3165+TURF+TRACTOR

mvphoto95600.jpg
 
There's a chance the trans rear hi/lo planetary internal gear for lo range has pulled out part way from the carrier as it's pressed in place. When that happens both lo and hi can't fully mesh as needed. I've seen it happen several times as an old MF mechanic. You could also have the diff safety coupling sheared also from a sudden shock load.
 
Pis of my MF 35....
Did the Cotter pin as per picture FALL OUT...and coupling moved forwards..
Did the drive coupling SHEAR as per designed to.?
cvphoto132569.jpg

cvphoto132570.jpg
 
Thank you again for all of your suggestions. I tried several of the suggested steps.

Started up the tractor.
-The PTO was spinning.
-Tried shifting without depressing the clutch, it ground a lot and wouldn't go into gear.
-Differential lock: I've never used the differential lock before. I tried to engage it, but it wouldn't lock down. I held the lever down with one foot and applied each brake one at a time. There was no movement from the tractor.
-The 3-pt hydraulics have never worked (despite my best efforts to fix them).

I shut her down and removed the side cover for the PTO control. The cotter pin was in place. I was hoping to find a broken cotter pin. Digging deeper into the the planetary gear is above my paygrade.
 
UPDATE: I put the PTO control cover back on and started the tractor. I engaged the PTO without depressing the clutch. Then I tried shifting 1-2-3-4 without the clutch. It went into gear pretty easily. Does this mean I need a new clutch?
Thanks again for all of your help. I'd be lost without it!
 
I can't thank you enough for your guidance, it's much appreciated. It will be a few days before I can take a look at the clutch. I'll post an update.
 
Upon removing the inspection plate, I found a mess- but it wasn't broken clutch components. Rats had gotten in there and filled the transmission case with nesting material. I pulled out enough crap to almost fill a 5 quart bucket!

With all the rat debris removed, I could see into the clutch area. There wasn't any noticeable metal debris. None of the clutch parts appeared to be broken. I had someone step on-and-off the clutch pedal. To be honest, I'm not familiar with this type of clutch, so I wasn't 100% sure what to look for. I could see a shaft move in and out of the clutch assembly. The two springs located above the shaft stretched and un-stretched as the shaft moved. The clutch assembly itself didn't move. I'm not sure if it is supposed to.

Any recommendations on what to look for next?

Thank you for your help!


cvphoto132991.jpg
 

Clutch discs are inside the pressure plate assembly, and nothing moves a great amount. You will not see any great movement beyond the throwout bearing pushing the pressure plate fingers in to take the pressure off the clutch discs.

Material from the nest may gotten inside the pressure plate assembly preventing the moving parts from moving correctly and fully engaging when you let the pedal up. I would say you are going to have to split the tractor and likely replace the clutch/pressure plate assembly. Or if you don't want to replace it, you will need to completely tear it apart, clean, and rebuild the assembly to get the material out of it.
 
Thank you very much for your reply. After looking at the tractor again, I'm 99.9% sure you nailed it on the head. The clutch pedal is significantly easier to depress than before this issue started. The clutch is probably stuck disengaged and won't engage when the pedal is released (thanks to the rats).

I have one last question. Do I need to purchase anything in addition to the the clutch/pressure plate assembly? YT sells a clutch kit that includes a pilot, release bearing, and clutch alignment tool. I'm not sure if those extra items will be needed. I have a mobile mechanic who will split the tractor and replace the parts, but he wants me to order everything needed.

cvphoto133301.png


Thank you to everyone who helped with comments. I really appreciate it. It helped tremendously!
 
Definitely purchase:
Complete Clutch assembly...
Through-out bearing...
SERVICE manual...
And follow the procedure for checking / setting of the clutch plates...
Alignment pilot shaft...

I recently replaced as per above..
Bob...MF 35X ..


cvphoto133327.jpg


cvphoto133328.jpg
 

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