Tractor Repair: 4630 ford tractor clutch problems, clutch plate, clutch problems

Question
Hi Martin:  Just a follow-up on the tractor questions.  Some one else did the work on repairing the clutch but I don't know if all new parts were used.  I do know that the clutch plate was replaced but it could have been with a rebuilt clutch.  I don't believe the rest of the parts were replaced.  I have a new boss where I work and he told me to drive the tractor in third gear instead of fifth gear.  I've talked with others, that have said by driving in third gear and allowing the tractor to coast back to the bottom of a steep slope, would override the clutch and cause the clutch to fail.  Is this true?  Could using on rebuilt clutch plate and old parts cause the clutch to fail earilier then usual?
Thanks again,
Terry Vaughn

Answer

Terry Vaughn
Tractor Repair
No
4630 ford tractor clutch problems
Hi Martin:  Just a follow-up on the tractor questions.  Some one else did the work on repairing the clutch but I don't know if all new parts were used.  I do know that the clutch plate was replaced but it could have been with a rebuilt clutch.  I don't believe the rest of the parts were replaced.  I have a new boss where I work and he told me to drive the tractor in third gear instead of fifth gear.  I've talked with others that have said by driving in third gear and allowing the tractor to coast back to the bottom of a steep slope, would override the clutch and cause the clutch to fail.  Is this true?  Could using on rebuilt clutch plate and old parts cause the clutch to fail earlier then usual?Thanks again,Terry Vaughn
Hi Terry.The rebuilt clutch should be ok as this is usually done by a specialist the steel parts are usually re used and the clutch material a special compound is bonded to the steel body /disc.Yes there could be something in what your friends say as regards the 3/5-gear situation, if your tractor survived a number years in 5th both up and down the slope ,then continue to do so. On coming down the slope in 3rd   and the clutch fully engaged the engine revs are less than the transmission revs, -- thus causing the clutch to BE FORCED TO SLIP. Giving it a lot more work to do than it was intended and premature ware! Regards Martin