Any 9760 w/bullet rotor built before 1/1/09 can start a fire at the rear of the rotor. It will go from there to the beater then be thrown out, sometimes catching the field on fire. If the wind and other conditions are right then the combine.

If you smell smoke and the fire is under the rear plactic covers (either side) then the rotor clearance is probably the cause.

I've heard there are three issues that cause this:

1. During the manufacture the rotor tube and the rearcone are crimped and welded together leaving a grove about 3/4" deep around the circumference (backside....can't be seen or felt w/ rotor installed)and on the back side of the rotor. To fix the rotor must be slid forward enough to get behind it. Sand off all rust and fill the grove w/body putty (bondo) and paint back side of the rotor to an automotive finish so that no dust can stick to it.

2. clearance is to close.

3. The bulkhead that holds the rotor gearcase and also the back of the rotor is to light and along w/ the clearance issue......when the rotor slugs at one time or another will warp the bulkhead and thus cause the rotor to rub and cause sparks.

If you want to check the part # you will see that these parts were updated..........I  was told on 1/1/09.

My 9760 was out of warranty and I was the third owner so I had to do the mod I spoke of in para 1.

It's run a few hundred hours since then with no problem.

Clear as mud,?

John