B6100D clutch got spongy when in use

[Lyzic]

Hi all,

So I have an ongoing project of a B6100D with a home made loader, that was done by the guy I bought it from.

The loader was originally run from a battery connected hydraulic pump. I removed this, and plumbed in the FEL using the stock hydraulic pump and a new valve that had Power Beyond (with much thanks to the people here for talking me through it).

The transmission is my reservoir, and the fluid looked like milk. I flushed it a lot and put in new fluid, and it looks decent.

I finally got it all hooked up today and did some driving around, and in the course of 20 minutes the throw of the clutch went spongy. It went from normal engagement, to only engaging at the very end of the travel of the clutch pedal.

No grinding or anything, it works fine otherwise. Same in high or low.

I can look up how to adjust the clutch, but what I am looking for advice or knowledge on is why it changed halfway through use. Any ideas? Do I need to flush the fluid again? Is it just needing an adjustment?

Much thanks

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sounds like something in the clutch has come unglued.
You can try adjusting the linkage (only adjustment on it) but highly unlikely it's goin to help you.

 

[Lyzic]

So ultimately it's a new clutch?

 

[Lyzic]

Oh, and it's a gear tractor, not a HST

 

[torch]

The fluid won't affect the clutch operation (well, unless fluid is leaking all over the friction material...). The clutch is all mechanical.

By "end of travel" you mean when the pedal is fully released, right? Any pressure on the pedal and the engine just spins without moving the tractor? If so, then yes, a new clutch is probably in your near future. At least the friction plate, but change the pilot bushing too while you are in there and inspect the pressure plate (flywheel) for signs of warpage.

 

[Lyzic]

I didn't do a great job of explaining.

Before, the clutch would activate when I pushed the pedal in about 50% of the way.

Now, it engages when I push it in 80% of the way.

It still works as normal, but the engagement point changed.

 

[Russell King]

Adjust and see what happens.

As NIW said about the only thing is something coming loose on the clutch plate or pressure plate.

There may be a grease zerk. that allows the throw out bearing to move easier so give that a couple pumps of grease

 

[Pau7220]

Adjust it until you’ve got about 1 1/2“ of free play at the top of the pedal travel…. Before you feel resistance. Free play will disappear as the clutch wears… if the linkage is wearing the exact opposite will happen, as you are describing.

 

[torch]

I didn't do a great job of explaining.

Before, the clutch would activate when I pushed the pedal in about 50% of the way.

Now, it engages when I push it in 80% of the way.

It still works as normal, but the engagement point changed.

Ok, I think what we have here is a failure to communicate <lol>

A clutch is disengaged when it disconnects the engine output from the transmission input -- ie: when you push in the pedal.

A clutch is engaged by releasing the pedal so the engine starts spinning the transmission.

So to ensure I understand you: previously the tractor would start moving when the clutch pedal was 1/2 way up; now it starts moving much sooner as the pedal is released and the pedal must be pushed much further down when stopping or shifting?

My tractor came to me that way. The clutch adjustment rod was bent and the arm that the rod pushes on was broken off it's pivot. Carefully inspect the external linkages for damage. If none is found you can try adjusting it.

 

[Flintknapper]

Ok, I think what we have here is a failure to communicate <lol>

A clutch is disengaged when it disconnects the engine output from the transmission input -- ie: when you push in the pedal.

A clutch is engaged by releasing the pedal so the engine starts spinning the transmission.

So to ensure I understand you: previously the tractor would start moving when the clutch pedal was 1/2 way up; now it starts moving much sooner as the pedal is released and the pedal must be pushed much further down when stopping or shifting?

My tractor came to me that way. The clutch adjustment rod was bent and the arm that the rod pushes on was broken off it's pivot. Carefully inspect the external linkages for damage. If none is found you can try adjusting it.

To add to the confusion....I read it differently.

Seems the OP is saying that the clutch would Disengage (previously) when depressing the clutch pedal about half way through its travel. And that now (for reasons unknown) it will disengage only after pedal travel of about 80% (clutch pedal lower than before).

I didn't see anything related to clutch 'engagement' but it stands to reason if the disengagement has moved (clutch pedal further down) then re-engagement should change too. I would look at clutch pedal adjustment first....and if that has no effect....be looking at splitting the tractor and overhauling the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, throw out bearing and pilot bushing.

 

[torch]

To add to the confusion....I read it differently.

Seems the OP is saying that the clutch would Disengage (previously) when depressing the clutch pedal about half way through its travel. And that now (for reasons unknown) it will disengage only after pedal travel of about 80% (clutch pedal lower than before).

I think we are saying the same thing in two different ways. The point of contact will be about the same, the primary difference is the direction of pedal travel -- we say we are engaging the clutch when the pedal is being released, and we are disengaging the clutch when the pedal is being depressed.

And I agree: if the problem cannot be corrected by adjustment (or repair) of the linkage, then an overhaul is in order.