Branson 4520 rescue project!

[tradosaurus]

I'm curious how much you paid for this tractor? I hope you got a good deal.

 

[Citydude]

Good progress on Lazarus. Your persistence is admirable considering the cost.

Looking forward to the day you report that its a runner!

 

[K5lwq]

I'm curious how much you paid for this tractor? I hope you got a good deal.

Just over $4000 right now. Budget was $5000 but most definitely will exceed that. Good deal? Nope but hopefully it will be a good tractor for someone one day.

 

[pmsmechanic]

This might or might not be true for a Branson. I'll tell you what worked for me. If I remember details correctly tie rod ends all come with the same taper on the end. What's different is the size and the depth of the hole in the female end with a corresponding ball joint.

When the ball joint on the rod end of the steering cylinder started getting sloppy on the 955 that I owned I looked for alternatives. A new one from John Deere was around $500 if I remember correctly. There was nothing wrong with the rest of the cylinder so I went to my local NAPA and we searched through their stock of tie rod ends until we found the same size. I removed the cylinder and extended the rod. After taking some measurements I cut the old ball joint off and welded the new one on. $37 and bit of welding and paint and no one else knew the difference.

 

[EddieWalker]

I hope that Starter works for you. I'm always nervous about deals on Amazon. Some have been great, others have had to be returned. Do you know about Superior Fleet Service in Tyler? I've bought starters from them that are better then factory, and a lot cheaper.

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If that link doesn't work, they are at

6421 Reynolds Road Tyler, TX 75708

(903) 597-1217

 

[K5lwq]

Eddie, I have never used them before but will check them out. Thanks for the information.

 

[EddieWalker]

Just bring in what you have and the owner will figure out what you need. At least, that's how it's worked for me.

If you go there, look to your left for East Texas Hydraulic. It's almost next door to Superior Fleet. That's where I get my hydraulic cylinders rebuilt. Most cost about $100 for parts and labor. I just drop it off and it's ready in a day or two. They do not take plastic, so bring cash or a check.

I don't know what it costs to rebuild a cylinder on a Branson, but the parts kits for a cylinder on my New Holland backhoe cost anywhere from $60 to $120 for the kit. Most of what's in the kit isn't used. The kit has everything for a variety of different cylinders, but you have to buy the kit to get the seals that you need. East Texas Hydraulic just buys exactly what you need. Usually it's under $10 in parts, so it's a no brainer to have them do all the work and make sure it's done right.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I wonder if the waterpump repair was the reason the freeze plugs and radiator went.

Did it look like their custom gasket job (being kind) blocked any passages?

 

[K5lwq]

I wonder if the waterpump repair was the reason the freeze plugs and radiator went.

Did it look like their custom gasket job (being kind) blocked any passages?

Everything was open. The failure for plugs and radiator looks like it was from tap water in the system. I will flush with some automatic dishwasher powder to clean system well. Once it is cleaned good and determine no more leaks I will fill with antifreeze.

 

[bradheiter]

I have a 2003 4520, not sure how much different it is to a 4520R let me know if I can be of any help.

 

[K5lwq]

I have a 2003 4520, not sure how much different it is to a 4520R let me know if I can be of any help.

Thanks! This one is the 4520 as well. I was told it was the R but later determined that there was a difference and confirmed it is the straight 4520. Apparently it is a little smaller frame size compared to the R.

I took the weekend off to do some much needed work around the house so no updates this week. Plus still waiting on parts.

 

[bradheiter]

I bought my 4520 new so I have all the original manuals. The service manual has some wiring diagrams and electrical troubleshooting help. I'm not sure it's specific to the Yanmar engine or not.

 

[K5lwq]

I would love to have a good wiring diagram. The service manual I have is for the 10-20 series. Closest I could find in the manuals that Asteral posted here.

I still have to get the dash to power up. None of the gauges are working.

 

[K5lwq]

I managed to get a starter from the folks Eddie recommended and it seems to work just fine. Thanks Eddie!

Managed to get the new hoses back on steering valve. What a PITA That was! I cleaned the tank and installed new filter for it as well.

I got the water pump installed and ready to flush the block. I will pick up some dishwasher powder this week to flush with. I do not have running water at my shop so I have to get a little creative.

I decided to rig up a 5 gal drum I had to flush with. The suction side is a little off the bottom so I think the rust will settle out while running. We will see how well it works later. Thermostat was removed for optimal flushing. It is a little low tech but here is what it looks like.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

That looks like a "custom" racing setup to me.



Thanks for the update.

 

[EddieWalker]

Happy to hear that they where able to help you with the starter. It's funny how there are those specialty companies around Tyler, but the only way you ever learn about them is when somebody tells you to go there.

 

[Cougsfan]

Very creative on your flushing system You get extra points for using color coordinated strapping to hold it in place.

 

[K5lwq]

Made a little more headway today.

Replaced the fuel lines from the tanks to the fuel pump. Got covered in diesel but it is done. Apparently women do not appreciate the smell of diesel as much as I do. Wife said I had to take a shower before I sat anywhere.

Installed the power steering tank and mounted the cylinder back under the tractor. Bolted the frontend back down.

I ordered the tie rod upgrade kit and was getting ready to replace when I discovered a issue with the kit. Anyone else see a problem?

Anyway that will have to wait as what I need is on back order.

I put 4 gallons of distilled water in my flush system and added half a box of dishwasher powder. Then fired up the tractor and let it circulate. Worked better than expected. Here is a video.

The dishwasher powder held everything in suspension very nicely.

Good news is no more leaks in cooling system. Also the power steering system works with no more leaks.

Now when the correct knuckle arm shows up, I can get that fixed and it will be close to time to drive it out of the shop and free up the clutch.

That is it for this week. Slowly but surely!

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Nice progress.

So do you prefer to be called a "Tractor Doctor", or a "Tractor Vet"?

 

[LouNY]

Making progress