Tractor greasing day - issue with zerks

[beowulf]

Today was set aside to clean up the tractor, change the air filters, blow out the radiator, etc., and check it over generally, and grease it. All went well with the greasing until I found one zerk missing - in the most difficult zerk location. Nothing I had would fit - I removed a zerk from elsewhere on the FEL to test the size and it would not fit either - feels loose. I cleaned the hole out and tried to see if there were threads remaining - I think not but it is really hard to see that particular area. I cannot tap new threads there because of the hard-to-get-at location and because the cutting part of the tap does not start until about a quarter inch up the tap and the tap would dead end before it started cutting. I went on with greasing and while greasing another area a zerk came off in the lock-n-lube. It would screw back in but remained loose and came out by hand. That area, btw, would not take grease before it came out.

Anyway, my questions:

Has anyone used self tapping zerks, or pound-in zerks, and with what success, and how to go about it. (I don't even know if the areas are amenable to pounding a zerk in - found a zerk pounding tool for straight zerks - but one is 90, and so, a problem.)

Are there ways to cut new threads that would not dead-end before the cutting starts? I would prefer to not dismantle parts of the loader arms.

These zerks are on a Woods 1016 FEL - not certain if metric or SAE? - I will check on this.

Any other suggestions. There is a variety of zerk related tools - so checking those out as well.

Thanks in advance.



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[repete]

Post a picture.

 

[beowulf]

Post a picture.

Of the hole where one was missing? where one fell out? Will do - not sure if light will be ideal.

Update: Went out to take pics - not sure what use they will be - just show where one was missing (first pic) and one came out (second pic).

 

[Have tractor did travel]

1. Over issues with thread - I had a Kubota Zerk fitting for which I could not find the right thread. Finally, ordered a single Zerk from the dealer. Fit beautifully. Since, have learned Japan has it's own thread. So, lesson to be learned - order the Zerk from a Woods dealer.

2. Over issues with Zerk not accepting grease. Raise or lower whatever you're greasing- put pressure on that point, or remove it. We hope you are using synthetic grease - something with no clay - and that you don't have old dried up clay in whatever you're greasing.

 

[beowulf]

We hope you are using synthetic grease - something with no clay - and that you don't have old dried up clay in whatever you're greasing.

I used Lucas Red. Lithium based from what I can tell. Not sure it is synthetic, but doubt it. Per your advice I will get synthetic. I am not sure what I used before though - I did have a several Kubota grease cartridges before - none found today - only had Lucas. Appreciate the input. Five zerks took grease. Two did not. One was missing.

 

[oosik]

Over the years I've "lost" a zerk or two. Buy those multi-packs. Twenty or so zerks - one will usually fit. Considered making a charm bracelet out of the remainder.

I have one zerk on the Land Pride grapple that refuses to take grease. I have to start the tractor - raise the lid on the grapple - now it takes grease easily. PITA.

BTW - is there a zerk on the opposite side that could be removed and used for reference - when you go to the store??

 

[Frankenkubota]

i had a hard time finding a replacement for broken zerk.

After much searching, drove 15 minutes to dealer, $.85

 

[murphy1244]

Some machines use a british thread. I know my Kioti does.

 

[repete]

The second picture looks like the fitting was possibly welded in place.

 

[Sberry]

I just did a service and it had some missing and clogs. I block it up a little so it doesnt fall all apart and tive the pin half way out, a bit more and even remove and totally coat them, fix the hole and shove it back together. Once you do it will find not such a problem. I am sure the synthetics are absolutely best but I use the moly from the farm store and they do not clog.

 

[gstrom99]

These guys have any zerk fitting you could need. I've used them lots...

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[beowulf]

Thanks for all for posting. Responding to your information:

-I have a collection of zerks - and did take one off from another site on the FEL to confirm the size of the missing one (and it also matches the size of the one that fell out), so fairly certain I know the size - unless the FEL used different sized zerks in different places.

-My problem is that on the one that fell out, the threads in the hole appear to no longer work to hold the zerk in, they catch slightly but not enough to remain useful. And the hole where the one is missing is even looser - I cannot see down in there to even see if it has threads - it is down inside one of the arms. I can only shine a light straight in and not an an angle that would let me see the threads - or even if there are threads.

-there is no welding anywhere near either zerk - I have been the only owner of the tractor. On the pictures, the missing zerk is down small hole in the middle of the picture.

Sberry, I may do what you say - as I have never taken the pins out of the FEL I was a bit apprehensive about what kind of a jam I might make for myself once I start dismantling that. But as you have explained it it seems doable and that would let me use a tap to rethread it - just need to make sure I have zerks to match the new threads. I can also clean everything out. It may remain a challenge -or impossible - to rethread the holes given where they are located - I will assess that before I take it apart.

What I may need in the circumstances is information about the pound in zerks or other options where the holes are compromised. -I will be in town today so may stop by the dealer to ask a few question and pick up some more zerks if necessary.

 

[Smokeydog]

Most, all? Kubota grease zerks are British thread. Kubota dealer can sell you the correct replacement zerk but unlikely tell you the thread size. Dealer prices are not too bad just inconvenient.

Have large assortment set of SAE zerks. Works good for older equipment. 46 grease zerks on my 65 Dodge power wagon.

Ordered metric assortment from McMaster for the Kubotas. None fit.

British assortment set are very expensive. Did find a package of 4 at TSC.

What I’ve done is get a couple spare zerks in two sizes from the dealer to have on hand for the loader backhoes. Kept in a pill bottle with all the grease maintenance parts and tools drawer.

Really need to use the thread guide and post the thread sizes on my tractors. Wintertime project.

 

[Captain Dirty]

. . . Are there ways to cut new threads that would not dead-end before the cutting starts? . . .

"Bottoming" taps, i.e. taps that thread (almost) to the bottom of a blind hole, are often difficult to find but can be made by grinding (patiently, so as not to destroy the temper) the tip off a plug tap.

 

[Gregster613]

Smokeydog, Will you please post a link or tell us where you found/got that particular thread identifier?
I looked on amazon and they have a lock-n-lube one.....but very expensive and does not look exactly like yours. I did not try a GF&D search though. I'd like to have one of those in my toolbox. Probably not get used often, but when needed would be extremely handy.
Thanks Greg

Never mind...I googled GF&D and there it is! I've got to remember to google first I guess!

 

[ruffdog]

Thread identifier:

Zoro Select Gfti Grease Fitting Thread Tester,Type Gage | eBay

 

[ruffdog]

When looking for BSF grease zerks......they call them nipples.

 

[Smokeydog]

When looking for BSF grease zerks......they call the nipples.

Good dog!

Zoro often offers 20% promos, free shipping, and farm tax exemption.

 

[rScotty]

View attachment 719364

Most, all? Kubota grease zerks are British thread. Kubota dealer can sell you the correct replacement zerk but unlikely tell you the thread size. Dealer prices are not too bad just inconvenient.

Have large assortment set of SAE zerks. Works good for older equipment. 46 grease zerks on my 65 Dodge power wagon.

Ordered metric assortment from McMaster for the Kubotas. None fit.

British assortment set are very expensive. Did find a package of 4 at TSC.

What I’ve done is get a couple spare zerks in two sizes from the dealer to have on hand for the loader backhoes. Kept in a pill bottle with all the grease maintenance parts and tools drawer.

Really need to use the thread guide and post the thread sizes on my tractors. Wintertime project.

I bought myself a zerk gauge just like the one pictured after smokeydog posted on another grease thread. Very nifty thread gauge, so I got one for my tractor buddy as well. Hard-anodized aluminum.

So far neither one of us have found a use for it....but I'm hoping.

I agree with smokeydog that the key to having the right zerk on hand is to be systematic and orderly. So I keep all the zerks and zerk tools in a 5 gallon grease cartridge pail where they can gently sink into the ooze at the bottom. Safe and secure & I know where they are....or rather, where they must be......

BTW, grease is traditionally a heavy oil mixed in with one of the three or four types of natural clay and some additives. The problem with grease compatibility (grease hardening) has to do mostly with mixing additives & types of clay, so using synthetic oil doesn't help with that.
rScotty

 

[bigtiller]

I'll be darned, we found something Amazon doesn't sell. That doesn't happen very often.