MF250 clutch not disengaging gears

[FE35]

Got an MF250 that suddenly won’t change gear. Suddenly for no apparent reason clutch has basically stopped working. To get a gear I started it in gear & crashed the high/low lever in to gear, if you depress the clutch nothing happens, it keeps driving. All external linkages appear ok & working. It was fine in use until this happened. It’s a bit like the clutch has stuck but don’t see how that’s possible to happen suddenly? I wasn’t driving but apparently there was a squeal when the clutch was pressed - release bearing suddenly dying?? Any ideas or advice great fully received please!

 

[Cowabunga]

Does it feel right? If not it could be that the bolts that run on the release bearing have worn through or the bearing has collapsed. Otherwise the most common cause of a sticking clutch is oil contamination. Either or which way, it will need opening up.

 

[Ray]

As said, finger height studs worn out or could be spigot bearing in flywheel seized. Your squeal would suggest this perhaps

 

[FE35]

Does it feel right? If not it could be that the bolts that run on the release bearing have worn through or the bearing has collapsed. Otherwise the most common cause of a sticking clutch is oil contamination. Either or which way, it will need opening up.

No the pedal has no ‘feel’ or ‘bite point’ just up & down - feels disconnected but isn’t at least not externally.
interesting about oil contam - noticed the engine was very low, so changed + new filter about a week ago - could this be the source? There’s no visible oil leak in the floor. So was surprised when the level was low! It’s not Smokey either

 

[FE35]

As said, finger height studs worn out or could be spigot bearing in flywheel seized.

Can you see them through the inspection plate do you know?

 

[Cowabunga]

No the pedal has no ‘feel’ or ‘bite point’ just up & down - feels disconnected but isn’t at least not externally.
interesting about oil contam - noticed the engine was very low, so changed + new filter about a week ago - could this be the source? There’s no visible oil leak in the floor. So was surprised when the level was low! It’s not Smokey either

If the pedal feels disconnected its not the oil contamination but the other mechanical bits I mentioned or even the clutch cover itself worn out. Resign yourself to having to split the tractor and probably installing a complete new clutch assembly and release bearing assembly and possibly fork. These are wearing parts. Consumables if you will. A dealer would call them 'fast movers'.

 

[Ray]

Can you see them through the inspection plate do you know?

Yes you could look up through inspection plate but like Duck says your gunna have to split tractor no matter what.

 

[FE35]

If the pedal feels disconnected its not the oil contamination but the other mechanical bits I mentioned or even the clutch cover itself worn out. Resign yourself to having to split the tractor and probably installing a complete new clutch assembly and release bearing assembly and possibly fork. These are wearing parts. Consumables if you will. A dealer would call them 'fast movers'.

Yep it’ll get everything if split, was just hoping for a potential quick fix! Thanks for confirming

 

[FE35]

Yes you could look up through inspection plate but like Duck says your gunna have to split tractor no matter what.

Looks like it’s a good job I’ve finished work for Xmas! Cheers for the info

 

[multi power]

Yep it’ll get everything if split, was just hoping for a potential quick fix! Thanks for confirming

Just double check the adjustment, I'm not sure how it works on the 250 but on a 35 the pedal just clamps to the cross shaft and could possibly slip

 

[Jsmith2211]

On my 135 a finger snapped on the clutch, and this caused it to sometimes stick in gear and not stop moving. Quite a problem when reversing close to a tree with a topper in low range - takes quite a bit of stopping!