'76 Deere 2040 Restoration

curdy · Dec 9, 2019

Hi everyone, I have picked up on the 2040 project as more of a restoration now (which was always part of the plan, just delayed longer). It's a project to learn skills on for my children and myself included. The goal is to have it fixed up and looking nice for next year's Holiday parade in town. The kids are excited for this and it has helped to draw them in more spending quality time together on the project.

I've been posting a few specific questions here and there and am beginning to believe its better to just have one thread dedicated to the entire restoration instead of numerous threads. I also see one thread as a way to record the project with the kids more like a journal.

So come watch a guy that has a lot to learn or feel free to join in with some advice. As always, thanks for the help and encouragement, it truly is appreciated!

Currently we've been experimenting with electrolysis for removing*rust. Cool stuff!

ovrszd · Dec 9, 2019

Looking forward to your progress!!! Thanks for starting a thread about it.

Tx Jim · Dec 10, 2019

curdy
Are you aware that '76 2040 has open center hyd's not closed center hyd's such as most other models of that era?

curdy · Dec 10, 2019

Tx Jim said:
curdy
Are you aware that '76 2040 has open center hyd's not closed center hyd's such as most other models of that era?

I am. Now if you asked me to explain the difference in any sort of detail I would struggle. Why do you ask?

curdy · Dec 10, 2019

So a couple of questions:

Would you recommend getting a tech manual? I have a parts manual and its quite handy, but not sure if the other is worth getting.

I'd like to remove the rockshaft lever quadrant to refinish it. Its in fairly rough shape and would be much easier to fix up off the tractor. Looks like I need to remove the rockshaft cover to get it out. Would that be causing more trouble than its worth?

I plan to pull the tractor out this weekend to get it cleaned off better. Would you all recommend using a foam wand on the pressure washer or hand spraying some purple power on it then rinsing with just the hose? I'm not worried about paint coming off as its in terrible shape anyway so the more that comes off, the better right now.

What should absolutely not get wet besides the starter (is it better to cover or just remove temporarily)? I'd like to get everything as clean as I can now so more can be done in the shop...engine included.

beenthere · Dec 10, 2019

I'd feel more comfortable having the service tech manual.. might avoid some mistakes.. which could be costly or time consuming.

And for sure, I'd remove the FEL.. might just be me, but looks in the way.

Tx Jim · Dec 11, 2019

curdy said:
I am. Now if you asked me to explain the difference in any sort of detail I would struggle. Why do you ask?

The largest majority of JD 20-55 series utility tractors had closed center hyd's except the models 820,830 & early 2040 with 3 cyl engine(<SN 266749). Components for each type hyd system will not interchange or operate correctly on incorrect system. Some time new tractor owner decide to add more hyd control valve & I just wanted to make you aware of the hyd component differences.

Irony is back in the 60's-80's JD reps at sales/service meeting bragged about the advantage of saving fuel with closed center hyd's over open center hyd's but fast forward to today the vast majority of new/newer JD tractors have open center hyd's.

Shaneard · Dec 11, 2019

Sub'd for the program. That's awesome you are teaching your kids how to wrench!

Tx Jim · Dec 11, 2019

curdy said:
So a couple of questions:

Would you recommend getting a tech manual? I have a parts manual and its quite handy, but not sure if the other is worth getting.

I'd like to remove the rockshaft lever quadrant to refinish it. Its in fairly rough shape and would be much easier to fix up off the tractor. Looks like I need to remove the rockshaft cover to get it out. Would that be causing more trouble than its worth?

I plan to pull the tractor out this weekend to get it cleaned off better. Would you all recommend using a foam wand on the pressure washer or hand spraying some purple power on it then rinsing with just the hose? I'm not worried about paint coming off as its in terrible shape anyway so the more that comes off, the better right now.

What should absolutely not get wet besides the starter (is it better to cover or just remove temporarily)? I'd like to get everything as clean as I can now so more can be done in the shop...engine included.

Over the many yrs of employment at JD dealer I witnessed many tractors washed with high pressure washer with no ill affects. What is the problem with rockshaft lever?