1977 John Deere 450c

[David Rigsby]

I need some ideas regarding diagnosing problem. It engages but is slow to respond forward and reverse. It moves the best in 3 high but will move in all but has no power to push much. Motor is strong but thinking I may need to drop motor to replace clutches etc. Any help would be appreciated. This is my farm crawler and have no time requirements, so I tinker a lot. Thanks David

[Dave Buchanan]

Well the first I would do is check oil pressure on the HLR unit. You we need a gauge that goes up to 300 PSI. There is a plug between the steering levers under this plug you will see a 1/8 pipe plug . It takes a allen wrench to remove .Be (very) careful don't drop the plug in transmission. use a 1/8 pipe nipple screw gauge in and start it up .The pressure should be around 160 psi with dozer at a idle .You can leave transmission in neutral & lock brake. You can travel with gauge in ,just leak a little oil . I hate to ask but I guess it is full of oil.

[David Rigsby]

Yes, all fluids and filters have been changed. It wants to sit for a minute after putting in gear and then slowly will start moving. Both directional(cutting) clutches operate as they should but after going forward - on flat ground- will need to put in reverse and then back to forward? I will do a pressure test as described. Thanks