[AT] MF Clutch

[HaliganBar at aol.com]

Well, I knew that someday it would have to come to this but, I hopes it 
wouldn't be so soon. I have to split my MF 202 and replace (or clean REALLY good) 
the clutch. The other day I noticed that the clutch was slipping so, I did a 
little investigating and discovered the inside of the bell housing and clutch 
were covered with engine oil. Obviously, I need to replace the rear main engine 
seal at the very least. Hopefully I can just clean the clutch with some brake 
cleaner but, I know my luck doesn't usually work like that.

The preliminary prices are about $300 for the parts to do the seal and 
clutch. If the clutch is the least bit suspect then I will replace it. This will be 
my first time messing with a clutch and splitting the tractor once in my 
lifetime is enough for me. In fact the thought of splitting the tractor really has 
my shorts in a bunch.

In a quick conversation with the mechanic at the local MF dealership he 
suggested that I remove the backhoe but leave the loader attached. Then just unbolt 
the back of the loader frame from the rear axles and support the front part 
of the tractor at the loader frame. This should allow me to just roll the back 
of the tractor from between the loader frame rails. Of course I'll also have 
to remove a ton of other stuff from the tractor (fuel tank, dash, steering 
column,etc). I'm thinking that I can weld up a rolling support from some square 
steel tubing. This will fit under the bell housing and allow me to move the back 
end of the tractor more easily.

So, do any of you guys have any words of wisdom or encouragement? 

Karl