How Do I Fix a Frozen Clutch Plate on a Ford Tractor?

The clutch on a Ford tractor is vulnerable to oil, dirt and moisture. A leaky hydraulic line or crankshaft seal can spurt fluid that combines with dirt to freeze the clutch. Moisture can turn to rust that freezes the clutch when your tractor is idle for a time. Attempting to free a frozen clutch by wedging the drive wheel and using the force of the engine may cause damage. You may have a working clutch, but you could spend the next few days fixing the transmission or a wheel spindle. Take a logical approach to fixing a frozen clutch plate on your Ford tractor.

Things You'll Need:

• Standard gauge tools
• Spark plug wrench
• C-clamp or wood block
• Spray carburetor cleaner with extension tube
• Drain pan
• Large screwdriver

1. Remove the starter from its mount at the back of the engine

Remove the starter from its mount at the back of the engine. Remove the spark plugs from the engine. This allows you to rotate the flywheel by hand at a later point.

2. Secure the clutch pedal fully depressed using a C-clamp or a wood block

Secure the clutch pedal fully depressed using a C-clamp or by wedging a wood block between the pedal and a stable surface, such as the seat frame.

3. Fit the small extension tube onto the nozzle of the spray carburetor cleaner

Fit the small extension tube onto the nozzle of the spray carburetor cleaner. Position a drain pan under the clutch housing at the underside of the tractor.

4. Insert the end of the extension tube into one of the openings in the housing

Insert the end of the extension tube into one of the openings in the housing and spray the clutch disc, pressure plate and flywheel surfaces. Attempt to get as much cleaner as possible into the seam between the disc and pressure plate.

5. Turn the flywheel 1/4 rotation by prying the teeth with a large screwdriver

Turn the flywheel 1/4 rotation by prying the teeth with a large screwdriver. Spray the next portion of the clutch components thoroughly with carburetor cleaner. Repeat the process using the cleaner and rotating the flywheel until you have thoroughly soaked the clutch components around the sides and edges of the disc, pressure plate and flywheel. Allow the residual cleaner to drain into the pan as you go.

6. Ask an assistant to remove the C-clamp or wood block

Ask an assistant to remove the C-clamp or wood block and allow the clutch pedal to return to the normal position. Ask the assistant to depress the pedal several times as you observe the action of the clutch. You may see improvement at this point.

7. Slide the drain pan out of the way

Slide the drain pan out of the way. Reattach the starter and reinstall the spark plugs.

8. Put the transmission in third gear and apply the brakes fully

Put the transmission in third gear and apply the brakes fully. Depress the clutch pedal and start the engine. The tractor may lurch ahead momentarily before the clutch frees up. If the engine stalls, repeat the entire cleaning process.

Tip

Look at your tractor service and maintenance records and replace the clutch if replacement is overdue. Discard the residual spray cleaner properly in a sealed container.

Video: Fixing a Stuck Clutch on an Old Ford Tractor

Helpful comments on this video:

• Just want to thank you for your ideas. I have a Shenniu SN254 which had a stuck clutch after sitting for over 6 months. I used your idea of pouring in 1 gallon of PB blaster. After letting it soak for a day, still no go. I hooked up the tractor to a tree and try to break the clutch in low range, first gear, still no go. When I finally decided to give up and drive the tractor to a spot where I take off the front end loader, it finally broke free. I drained the PB Blaster and looks like it's working fine. Thanks again, I dreaded having to break apart the tractor...
• Hydrolic the motor and rock back forth, works like a charm