My hydraulic clutch

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bigdoug

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BigDoug

• Feb 25, 2010

• #1

Yesterday while plowing snow, the clutch on my 3340 decided it wouldn't disengage. The pedal went right to the floor but the tractor kept going forward. Yikes! Come to find out, there was no brake fluid in the hydraulic system. It all drained out somewhere, but I couldn't find any wet spots inside and there was nothing leaking down into the snow. I don't know where it went. I filled the reservoir with brake fluid and everything seems to be ok now, however I'm a bit worried because I didn't find the reason for the problem.

Has anyone had a similar situation?

Doug

 

Renze

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Renze

Machinery:

1976 5718
1978 5718 35kmh: Work in progress
1967 3011

• Feb 26, 2010

• #2

All the time.

The original PAL brake cylinders werent too good. The factory offered a much better replacement, from Fragokov.

I replaced all of them 7 years ago but we had trouble again:
I removed the front wall of the cabin (right in front of the engine) and found that there was a gap in one of the suction/feed hoses from the reservoir. I replaced both, as the other had some wear marks from underneath the cab too.

Asking at the hose supplier at work, they said that fuel lines wont work as the brake fluid ages the rubber. I ordered special brake hose by mail.

 

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bigdoug

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BigDoug

• Feb 26, 2010

• #3

Thanks Renze. Seems there are many places to look! Since I didn't see any leaks near the reservoir, I'm guessing one of the brake cylinders is bad. Once I figure out how, I'll take a look.

Doug

 

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markku

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Markku

• Feb 26, 2010

• #4

Check the pressure hose from master cylinder to slave too! There is a nice carrier where the hose goes through. That carrier purpose is to keep hose in its place to prevent damage. Unfortunately, the carrier itself does eat the pressure hose broken

But first i guess slave cylinder, then master cylinder.

 

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bigdoug

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BigDoug

• Feb 28, 2010

• #5

I checked the fluid reservoir today and it's down about 1/2, so I've got to do something soon. The master cylinder and all lines seem to be ok and there's no sign of leakage anywhere. Is there an easy way to check the slave cylinders? I don't see an obvious approach.

 

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alan

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Alzet

• Feb 28, 2010

• #6

Check the brake balance valve (Between fuel tank & RH side of gearbox)

 

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bigdoug

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BigDoug

• Feb 28, 2010

• #7

Thanks. I just checked the balance valve, all the lines and both master cylinders. No leaks. I'm afraid it's one of the slave (wheel) cylinders but I'm not sure if there's a way to check them without taking off the wheel and disassembling the whole thing. I'd hate to do that and then find out the slave cylinder is ok and it's the OTHER wheel cylinder! > Do you know if I can locate the leaking cylinder without taking everything apart?

 

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bigdoug

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BigDoug

• Feb 28, 2010

• #8

False alarm! Not a brake line problem after all! After another inspection of the whole system, I saw a drop of fluid on the bottom of the clutch slave cylinder. When I squeezed the rubber cap on the bottom of the cylinder, fluid came pouring out. Looks like an easy fix. Thanks for all the help.

Oh, can I rebuild the slave cylinder? Or do I have to buy a new one?

 

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alan

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Alzet

• Feb 28, 2010

• #9

Replace it with a complete cylinder as a repair will not last very long

 

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bigdoug

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BigDoug

• Feb 28, 2010

• #10

Thanks Alzet. I'll order a new cylinder.