504 IH Utility Clutch Change

SkookumJack · Jun 4, 2017

I recently changed the clutch pressure plate, pressure disk, pilot and throw-out bearing + the yoke on my 504 utility IH tractor. I set the linkage action according to the manual specs for petal travel. The clutch actions well on the pressure fingers, but I'm not able to shift gears when I fire the tractor up?? I grind the gears if I try.
I thought it must be I am not auctioning deeply enough, so I adjusted the linkage to tight on the pressure fingers and even that does not let me shift.
The torque converter adjustment was adjusted with the clutch when I set all the linkage.
For some reason I am not disengaging the flywheel spin enough to shift??
I'm stumped! I need to work this tractor soon.

Dune Country · Jun 4, 2017

not really familiar with the 504 but one of the reasons a new clutch won't disengage is the clutch disk is in backwards BTDT

Janicholson · Jun 4, 2017

There is no torque converter in a 504 utility. The TA adjustment will not affect the release of the clutch. If you put the disk in backwards, with the springs toward
the Flywheel, the springs smash into the Flywheel bolts and lock up the clutch assembly, as noted below. Jim

Steve@Advance · Jun 4, 2017

Sadly, that is a common problem with clutches.

It can be caused by a number of factors.

As others said, the disc in backward will cause it, but usually it won't release at all if that is the case, or make terrible noises when forced to release.

Sometimes a worn input shaft spline can cause the disc to want to wide in an old worn spot, making it drag on the flywheel.

It can be a defective pressure plate, or the pressure plate was warped during the bolt down. Each bolt needs to be drawn down evenly as the springs are compressed.

How was the surface of the flywheel? If it had hot spots, warpage, it can cause release problems.

But the most common problem is damage to the disc during the reassembly. If an alignment tool was not used, the engine weight was let hang on the disc (very easy to do), or it was necessary to force the install with the bell housing bolts, the disc could have been warped, or the spline burred causing it to bind on the input shaft.

Not much you can do but go back in, see what happened.

Crazy Horse · Jun 4, 2017

Sorry, no help with your clutch ....... BUT any connection with Skookum Jim in the Yukon?

Roger Tomfohrde · Jun 5, 2017

Did you check the T/A clutch if it has one? If it does not disengage you will get grinding. The T/A clutch almost needs to disengage before the main clutch releases. The tractors age and sometimes the values listed do not get them to open. Try pulling the handle of the T/A and then shift. Lately when I adjust them I set the main clutch , take the spring off of the linkage and then rotate the arm of the T/A clockwise towards engaging the clutch pressure plate fingers. The pin should just slide in. I had a 560 that the T/A clutch pressure plate had the pivots cracked so no matter how you adjusted it would not disengage. Good luck.Roger

BarnyardEngineering · Jun 5, 2017

I believe Skookum Jack fell victim to auto-correct.

It's pretty clear he meant torque AMPLIFIER, not torque converter.

Like Roger said, the TA clutch has to disengage along with the main clutch in order to shift. BUT, it doesn't grind. It binds. It will feel like it is stuck in gear, and you will be able to shift by pulling the TA lever.

Unfortunately, you probably put the clutch disk in backwards as mentioned earlier. Time to take it apart again.

SkookumJack · Jun 7, 2017

I sure appreciate your help fellas. I'm not familiar with Skookum Jim in the Yukon, but I did live in Alaska from 1976 to 2006.

504 IH Utility Clutch Change

SkookumJack

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Dune Country

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Janicholson

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Steve@Advance

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Crazy Horse

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Roger Tomfohrde

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BarnyardEngineering

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SkookumJack

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