Ford 8n tractor

[boxcar]

my trany froze cant get out of gear locked in forward gear.

what now can I do

thanks Bruce

[BobT]

Wait for a warmer day. According to your forecast it should be sunny and warmer in the next few days. Perhaps covering and throwing a heater of some sort under there could help too.

[hawgchaser]

Bruce, I don't think it's a cold issue...unless it has the original transmission fluid. We had one when I was a kid that was temperamental like that - especially if we shut it off and let it roll to a stop with it in gear. Try pushing the rear wheel backwards while pulling on the shifter. Make sure it's on level ground or you have a chock to keep it from rolling over you. Taking the pressure off the transmission gears should allow you to get it out of gear.

[boxcar]

Thanks for the reply guys any one else out there have any ideas someone told me I bent the forks??

[hawgchaser]

This is not an 8n experience, but I somehow wedged the forks (they're on the shifting lever) between 2 gear faces on my Ford 1500. I took the 4 transmission cover bolts out, lifted the shifter with the forks up until the stuck fork came free, pried the transmission into neutral with a bar , put the shifter back in neutral position, put it back together, and bolted the transmission cover back on. It's worked fine and has only happened once. If the forks are bent, you'll have to take it apart anyway. There were thousands of those 8ns made, so you might even be able to find someone who restores them in your area to help or guide you through the process. I also know there are Ford 8n blog groups that trade info and suggestions. I've got some good hints on the antique tractor forum and SSB tractor site. I also bought a reasonably priced service manual from SSB and it's been very useful.

Good luck and don't be afraid to dig in as those old tractors are really quite simple machines compared to the newer ones.

[bigg edd]

My allis WD will lock in gear from time to time. Common prob with allis and internationals. Pull the shifter and look into the hole with a flashlight. Take a long screwdriver and line up your forks to neutral. Check the end of your shifter for wear. i may need to be welded back to spec. Good luck.

[boxcar]

Well I took cover off didn't know what nuterul looks like but I think Its in forward and reverse. Any one have a picture of gears or know where to find one.The wheels don't turn with clutch in.

BAT

[swamptiger]

If you do a web search "releasing stuck 8N transmission", it will take you to a tutorial complete with photos on oldfordtractors.com how to get the transmission to neutral. Says you need to release the pressure by disconnecting the battery and rotating the engine backwards by hand first before you can move the gears.

More than likely, your shift mechanism is worn.

[hawgchaser]

Boxcar,

My closest New Holland dealership is 30 mi. away. I've made the trip a couple times just to talk with the shop man who's their "expert" on older Ford tractors. I've also talked to him a few times over the phone. I'd almost guarantee your closest dealer will have a "go to" guy who could give you advice. If your dealership is as accommodating as the one I use, you could develop a valuable present and future resource. Best of Luck!

[boxcar]

Thanks hawgchaser and swamptiger For great ideas when I get back up tp hunting camp Ill check out web page for neutral and go from there

BAT

[boxcar]

Well guys I went up to hunting cabin worked on that tractor two afternoons still couldnt release it out of gear. Printed up diagrams sounded simple even had 2 other guys helpen. Jacked up rear wheel turn motor back wards drained the gearbox to see bottom gears had some good pictures guess just dont know whats else to do, any more ideas

Thanks

BAT

[boxcar]

Well guys I went up to hunting cabin worked on that tractor two afternoons still couldnt release it out of gear. Printed up diagrams sounded simple even had 2 other guys helpen. Jacked up rear wheel turn motor back wards drained the gearbox to see bottom gears had some good pictures guess just dont know whats else to do, any more ideas

Thanks

BAT