Crazy M38A1 clutch question

BigJim · Post by **BigJim** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 4:42 pm

When my 55 M38A1 sits up for awhile,when I crank it up something sticks in the clutch and it won't go in gear.I have to shut it off,put it in gear,hold the brake and crank it.You can feel it break loose and then it functions fine after that.What causes that and is there anything I can do to prevent it hopefully besides replace the clutch.Thanks Jim

WESTCOMVIC · Post by **WESTCOMVIC** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 7:12 pm

Dont know if it just happens to M38A1s.Do you live near salt water or very wet conditions.I had a ford P/U,if it sat for more than a couple of weeks the pressure plate would rust to the clutch.Same deal, had to break it free

BigJim · Post by **BigJim** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 7:18 pm

I don't live near salt water but I think that rust is most likely the problem.Just did not know if there were any tricks to keep it from happening.Jim

sonny · Post by **sonny** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:32 pm

Big Jim - had that happen to my Ford tractor - only happens after it sits for awhile - was told it was the clutch sticking to the pressure plate and the suggestion I received was that if it was going to sit for long period to prop the clutch partially in so it would not make contact - Sonny

BigJim · Post by **BigJim** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:41 pm

Well that makes sense.It might keep me from driving it through the back of the shed when I go to crank it up next time.Thanks Jim

Post by **wesk** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:57 pm

Usually the only cure it to disassemble and replace or clean it up. It can be rust, moisture that freezes or just dirt/grease/oil . It can happen with new clutches if one doesn't remove the preservative coating applied to the pressure plate's facing.