Model 40 steering/power problem

[jdmodel40]

My model 40 loses power and comes to a stop when right steering lever is pulled back. Left lever works fine. I've adjusted the steering lever and brake band on problem side. The top two springs in the steering clutch housing/ throw-out bearing assembly (those attached to the cam) are broken. Could this be the problem, or is it something else?

[jtrichard]

the problem is on the left side ....will it make a left turn? but wont turn right?or if you are pushing something and you pull the right side it stops? its the left clutch slipping and if you have things broken in the right sounds like you need to get into both sides

[jdmodel40]

Turns left with alacrity but doesn't want to turn right under any conditions; slows down and stops within a few feet, then goes nowhere second pull of right lever. So if the left clutch is slipping, does something need to be adjusted, or is this a major repair? Trying to get my firewood in before snow melts...

[jtrichard]

if you dont have freeplay in the throw out bearing (ridding the fingers) then you might be able to adjust.. if it has enough adjustment left ...... PS thems some pretty highflutin words for this site (alacrity) had to look it up you did not put location where you live sounds like it could be NEW YORK CITY!!!

[jdmodel40]

The throwout bearing cap screw on left side does seem to be adjusted about as far over as it can go...it's straddling shoulder of adjustment slot, and the bearing is nearly touching clutch fingers. First real trouble machines given since 1960's. Ha ha...NYC isn't that far away.

[JimAnderson]

More than likely you have fiber and steel discs stuck together by rust.
With little use and high relative humidity the steels will rust and stick
like glue to the fiber discs.This is a common issue with the dry clutch
systems.Even when everything is adjusted right the clutch won't
release,apply a little brake and the engine will stall.Sometimes trying
to push against something immovable while holding back the stuck steering clutch lever will break loose the clutch pack.If that doesn't
work then tear down is in your future.I've had this problem before
and a lot of guys here have too.If it only turns left going forward
and you want to go right then just put it in reverse an back up while
steering left,you will end up pointing in direction you want to go.
Ah the joys of old crawlers.Luck,JimAnderson

[jtrichard]

lets clarify something you said when you pull the right lever it slows down and then stops did you mean that the crawler stops moving or the engine stops? I took it as the crawler stops moving if so the left clutch is wore out and slipping as you said you have clearance from fingers to throw out bearing

[jdmodel40]

Crawler stopped moving, engine kept running. However, your feeling that the left clutch was slipping made me take a second look at the throw-out bearing/steering lever adjustment on left side. The manual said "slide bearing outward as far as it will go without force," which I initially did. But I found that forcing the throw-out bearing further with a bar and hammer and re-tightening the cap screw has solved the problem, a problem which, I might add, had been gradually manifesting itself over the years. Whether this is the last gasp for the clutch, and it will eventually have to be rebuilt, or if banging on the assembly freed a component, I don't know. In any event, the dozer is only used about twenty hours a year, so perhaps it will run fine for years to come. Thanks for the input. Got several cords of wood out today.

[DukeofDeere]

Good for you!!
Here it is too wet to get in the woods.
I really hope they are right with falling temps later in the week.
Can't wait to get out and get a few more loads home.
I may need to put duals on my trailer for more ballast.

Time to tap some trees.
Later,
Duke

[jtrichard]

good at least i got you going in the right direction