1974 Ford 3400- Select-o-Speed Help Needed...

I got directed over here because they say there are a few stalwart holdouts for my SOS here. I just picked up my first one yesterday and love it, but it has some issues I need some experienced advice on. i was using it yesterday but when I push the inching pedal (IP) it doesn't stop the tractor. Is there an adjustment for it? I know it's just a shut-off of hydraulic pressure so to speak but it acts like it doesn't move enough to fully shut down the pressure. Sometimes it would work but it seems to hit the axle housing before it works. Right now it's on the line of being dangerous to operate without the ability for me (or more importantly my wife) to step on a pedal to stop the tractor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, what are people's opinions on running Auto-Rx in the hydraulic system to clean some of the gunk off the valves and such? Given that it's kind of like three auto trannies in a row.

Thanks again.

Big John

Start by getting a proper Ford service manual and adjusting the bands per procedures. Post back with results.

In the event that you are not aware, your S-O-S transmission has an externally accessable filter. I recommend changing both it and the oil if you are unaware of the service history.

I'm not a believer in any oil additives.

Dean

Actually I do have the '65-'75 Ford Service Manual. I need to borrow a torque wrench to do the adjustment but that was going to be my first try.

Given I don't know whwere the closest NH dealer is, do you know whether or not the Tractor Supply (Traveller brand) Universal Tractor Trans/ Hydraulic Fluid meets the specs for the SOS fluid?

If it meets CNH 134D specs (probably does) it should be acceptable. I use only CNH oil, but I'm much more particular than most.

In any event, you will almost certainly need to go to CNH for the filter. You can probalby order the filter from Messicks.

The late model S-O-S transmissions like yours are just about bullet proof given reasonable maintenance.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Dean

I've seen this scenario on an SOS that almost had the pin that attaches the pedal to the shaft sheared. A new pin fixed the problem.

Improper oil (I've known a person or two to put 80W geargrease in these) can also cause this phenomenon.

Early SOS transmissions had no provision for adjustment of the inching pedal. Not sure on one of your vintage.

I do not recommend oil additives either. Just make sure whatever you use meets the proper Ford or NH spec. It'll usually be detailed on the container unless it's a really cheap oil. The old Ford spec for the SOS is M2C-41

(quoted from post at 20:00:52 12/25/11)
I've seen this scenario on an SOS that almost had the pin that attaches the pedal to the shaft sheared. A new pin fixed the problem.

Click to expand...

I noticed today when I was out there moving dirt with it that there did seem to be alot of slop in the pedal relative to the shaft it turns. I'll have to look into this further.

(quoted from post at 17:25:42 12/25/11)The late model S-O-S transmissions like yours are just about bullet proof given reasonable maintenance.

Click to expand...

You don't know how good that is to hear!

I went out there today and worked the tractor for a good couple hours. One other thing I noticed is the pedal does work in R1 but seems to have almost (note almost) no effect in the other gears. This thing is a little beast though with that big industrial loader on the front. I'm really liking the SOS, even though it isn't working just right, I can see how it will be indispensible (sp?) once I get her tuned up and dialed in.

Anyone have some suggestions for tightening up the shifter? Seems to have alot of slop in it.

Just got on the dealer locator for NH and found out the closest one to me is about thirty miles away as the bird flies. I'm gonna make a run up there tomorrow morning and see if I'm lucky enough for them to have a filter in stock.

I would call first. It is unlikely that they will stock it.

Dean

Something else I noticed, what type of bit do I need for adjusting the bands? It looks like a giant flathead screwdriver bit. Is there some special one I need to find?

just a large size straight screwdriver socket that'll fit your torque wrench. The torque required to set the bands is not all that great.

it appears the 4200 tractor sos has an adjustment on the inching pedal, yours does not. Check the roll pin holding the pedal on the shaft. As Larry said, it could be gone or damaged. If that is not it the next step is checking the two springs in the spool valve that activates the inching mech. Thats the lefthand spool plunger of the two valves protruding rearward the farthest on the valve body. of course that means removing the shift cover.
good time to adjust shift cable as well. I have seen the return spring (inside) fail as well

Gotta go back on the road tomorrow so progress will be stopped until friday or so. Ordered SOS filter and roll-pin from Messick's today. Prices are decent but shipping is crazy! $14 to ship a filter and pin from PA to MI but I ordered a drawbar off of ebay and it shipped for $10. But, that's how it goes. I'll see if I can post a picture or two of the tractor. Everybody loves pictures!

Since I didn't have time to work on the tractor today, been studying up on the band adjustments. Came up with some questions and looking for advice from those who have done it before.

Just to put it in simpler terms, this is how it looks to me as the procedure.

1. Fluid full and up to temperature.
2. Turn tractor off (in Park).
3. Starting with Band 1 hold adjusting screw (AS), back off lock nut (LN) two full turns.
4. Tighten AS to 19-21 lbs. ft.
5. Back off AS 5/4 turns.
6. While holding AS, tighten LN to 20-25 lbs. ft.
7. Activate (lift up) the driveline disengagement lever.
8. Start tractor.
9. Place transmission in N.
10. Going to Band 2, hold AS, back off LN two full turns.
11. Tighten AS to 110-130 lbs. in. (9-11 lbs. ft.)
12. Back off AS 3/4 of a turn.
13. Place transmission in P.
14. While holding AS tighten LN to 20-25 lbs. ft.
15. Place transmission in N.
16. Going to Band 3, hold AS, back off LN two full turns.
17. Tighten AS to 110-130 lbs. in. (9-11 lbs. ft.)
18. Back off AS 3/4 of a turn.
19. Place transmission in P.
20. While holding AS tighten LN to 20-25 lbs. ft.

Voila (sp?) done.

Did I get that right or do you do Band 2 & 3 at the same time?

If when someone adjusted the bands they didn't back-off the screws, would that possibly cause my "inching pedal not releasing power" problem? (ie. the bands being adjusted too tightly so taking away the pressure doesn't allow them to "slip")

O/T: When I hold in the inching pedal and shift into R1 the tractor "bumps" forward like it was shifted into a forward gear. Anyone have any ideas? Anyone else's tractor do that?

Sorry about the long post.

[b:7f90328e33][color=red:7f90328e33]Be dang sure that traction disconnect is disconnected and locked in the disconnected position before attempting any of this. (Tractor will roll freely by hand when in park if it is.)[/color:7f90328e33][/b:7f90328e33]

a forward bump in R1 is not abnormal.

band adjustment proceedures for band 3 on older (4 cylinder) thousand series call for transmission to be in 5th gear. I would double check to make sure yours does not.

Just double checked. Gives me the same gears for 2 and 3. I will be double sure to make sure it's all disconnected and safe.

Does anyone know what size/ composition the O-ring for the oil inlet screen is? The OM calls for it to be replaced when the screen is cleaned but I can't even find the o-ring on Messick's website. Maybe it's just that my screen is too small.

(quoted from post at 22:38:35 01/01/12) Does anyone know what size/ composition the O-ring for the oil inlet screen is? The OM calls for it to be replaced when the screen is cleaned but I can't even find the o-ring on Messick's website. Maybe it's just that my screen is too small.

Click to expand...

tbiglug,

From Messicks, part # 134373, O-ring,-024,70 Duro, 1.114" IDx0.070", $1.91 in stock.

I've never bothered to change it when I've changed the fluid (three times now) and the old one doesn't leak that I can tell.

Chris

Awesome, already put in my order but I'll keep this in the file for the next time.

Made some good progress today. Got the bands adjusted and new rollpin in the pedal, bingo, no more run on. Starts and stops like it should now. Thinking by the condition of the filter and grease and crud packed around the adjusters, this thing hasn't seen an adjustment in many many years. Works like a champ now! Slightly nervous about band 1 not having many threads left for adjustment but given the use it'll be seeing it will probably get me through a good few years.

Now once I get the right brake fixed, generator charging and proofmeter replaced I'll be rocking!