Big Problems - Tractor Apart - Now what?

[frank_z]

Had a problem with the clutch on my B1550D. It wouldn't release completely and the pedal vibrated seriously. I split the tractor to get at the problem (not an easy job for a 75 year old guy with arthritis) and found serious problems. The ball joint at the transmission end of the propeller shaft failed along with the clutch plate (cracked) and both the pilot bearing and pilot bearing oil seal were disintegrated. These parts can be replaced, but the most serious problem was the crankshaft hole which receives the pilot bearing was galled and worn from the pilot shaft banging around in it after the bearing disintegrated. The mean wear on the diameter if the hole was .015" plus or minus .005". I can't imagine this bore holding the pilot bearing even with a generous application of Loctite. I see three types of repair. 1) Machine a fixture to mount on the crankshaft flange to guide a boring tool to clean up the bore (I am a hobby machinist and have the tools) and then making a sleeve to fit into the cleaned up bore to hold a replacement bearing; 2) Using a tip on the Tractorsmart website to machine the flywheel to accept a new sealed ball bearing; 3) machine a steel "doughnut" to locate a new steel ball bearing pilot bearing in the generous space originally provided in the end of the crankshaft for the pilot bearing oil seal. Both 2) and 3) would probably require machining the pilot side of the propellor shaft also. Then, of course, I could replace the crankshaft which is out of the question because of $$$$$$. Has anyone had this problem? How did you solve it? Any suggestion on other things I could do? (Yes, I did consider junking the tractor!)

 

[silverking]

Thats sucks!, any chance of posting a pic of the piece?

Other than that and sight unseen i have had some experience with this situation in the automotive/industrial area, any chance of cleaning up the hole and getting or making a oversize bushing? possibly heating the hole and freezing the new piece in place?
is there enough of a relief to use a pin or a set screw?
I am really not familiar with the crankshaft in question so i am just throwing ideas at you.

Good luck.

 

[texbaylea]

Since you say you have the knowledge and machines why not bore the recess, set in an over size bushing then rebore and ream to the proper size. Thick wall bronze bushing are available. It would mean making a jig that can be centered on the crankshaft to allow you do the work.

Vernon

 

[Highbeam]

I like all 3 of your solutions as they all solve the problem rater than bandaiding it. I have replaced pilot "bushings" on auto engines which tells me that the bearing isn't under that much stress.

I thought for sure that at least one of your answers would involve JBweld and then selling it.

 

[JerryG]

I don't know if a Speedi-Sleeve would work on a bearing or not. I have used them for many a seal.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I had the same problem with my old B-7200 and went the Tractorsmart route by putting the bearing in the flywheel. It has been over 3 years ago and my brother owns it now and mows with it every week. It still works like a champ. A friend of my dad's did the machining work for me. He had to cut down the input shaft a little in order for it to slide into the bearing.
Before I asked Ronnie at Tractorsmart, we tried to add a brass sleeve in the crank and then put the pilot bearing in. It lasted less than a year. I went ahead and replaced a lot of the other pieces in there as well while I had it apart.
Good luck