L345DT not going into 4wd

[Ilyak]

Hi,
Got my l345DT.
4wd was working. However I think the tyres on the front are slightly undersized (7.5-18 should be 8-18) which may have stressed gearbox.
Anyway having used it fine, climbed a bank I now simply can’t get it into 4wd even with a good shove, don’t want to break anything. Tried clutch in out several times, rolling, turning wheels, engine off etc. Feels like something stuck. It’s not very accessible. May take lh rear wheel off to see lever better but hidden behind a big bit of metal, tractor has cab.
Any suggestions what might be wrong and how to fix appreciated.
Thanks

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

There isn't whole lot that is accessible or serviceable on the exterior.
Is the lever moving or stuck in one location?
Has the lever moved previously?

 

[Ilyak]

There isn't whole lot that is accessible or serviceable on the exterior.
Is the lever moving or stuck in one location?
Has the lever moved previously?

Moved previously and 4wd worked. Although was stiff. Now won’t go all the way down but wiggles up and down a bit in top half of travel.
I am calibrating by rust mark from scraped paint where it could on hole in floor of cab.
Looked at parts manual and it seems it just moves a fork directly on gear so not clear what could be fouling, unless another bit of gearbox has got in front of gear…
I did wonder if slipped on external shaft and mispositioned but seems unlikely.

 

[Ilyak]

Moved previously and 4wd worked. Although was stiff. Now won’t go all the way down but wiggles up and down a bit in top half of travel.
I am calibrating by rust mark from scraped paint where it could on hole in floor of cab.
Looked at parts manual and it seems it just moves a fork directly on gear so not clear what could be fouling, unless another bit of gearbox has got in front of gear…
I did wonder if slipped on external shaft and mispositioned but seems unlikely.

 

[Ilyak]

Looking at manual, looks like only 4 bolts holding transfer case on and it will just drop off underneath then can see what’s up. Is it really that simple, seems far too good to be true?
Just topped up transmission fluid but can drain it.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yes on that model you can drop the gear case and get a look at it.

 

[Ilyak]

Yes on that model you can drop the gear case and get a look at it.

View attachment 122494

Cheers. No doubt I’ll shear off a bolt, drop it on my foot after getting a face full of oil I failed to drain and lose a key component in the attempt as sounds too easy!

 

[D2Cat]

Cheers. No doubt I’ll shear off a bolt, drop it on my foot after getting a face full of oil I failed to drain and lose a key component in the attempt as sounds too easy!

I like an optimist!!

 

[Ilyak]

I like an optimist!!

Well just based on my experience of attempting seemingly simple maintenance tasks, for example fixing a problem with my Massey 145 lift levers sticking seems to require taking cab off and then lifting heavy cover with crane - simply undoing 4 bolts to get at problem seems just too good to be true, setting my expectations!

 

[D2Cat]

Well just based on my experience of attempting seemingly simple maintenance tasks, for example fixing a problem with my Massey 145 lift levers sticking seems to require taking cab off and then lifting heavy cover with crane - simply undoing 4 bolts to get at problem seems just too good to be true, setting my expectations!

I understand. I just don't verbalize what might be a problem, but visualize how to get it solved. Seems to work for me.

 

[007kubotaguy]

As others have said it's relatively easy to drop the whole four-wheel drive box out. If the lever is all intact I would try spraying some penetrating oil on the detent portion which is located on the outside. I see many times they are just rusted up and won't allow the lever to move.