bx LA 243 loader grease zerks

[Tractorrr]

I go to grease the loader for the first time yesterday and the first grease zerk came right out when I pulled the grease gun off. I tried to screw the zerk back into the threaded area but have been unsuccessful so far. Part of the problem is that there is a small hole making for a very limited space to try to screw it back in, but the threads might also be stripped although they don't look terrible.

The rest of the grease zerks on the loader took grease but I guess the first one was on loose. Any ideas on how to fix this. Any one know what size the grease zerks are. Sorry for no pictures. Frustrating to have this happen on a new tractor.

I am still able to grease the pin by actually taking it out but it would be nice to be able to get this fixed although I'm not sure it's worth it to take it to the dealer even if it still is under warranty. Thanks

 

[sandyc]

Some zerks are metric and some not. I think it depends on where the unit was made. Because of this I have assortments of both metric and sea.

 

[sandyc]

Should be sae not sea. If I need to replace a zerk I match it up to a new one and install it gently to insure it is the right size and thread and then tighten it down.

 

[oosik]

I had one zerk pull out. Took it to Kubota dealer and got new one plus several more. Usually one zerk/year is plugged. I don't fool around with them - just replace and plop old one in can of gas. Later, as time becomes available, I'll clean up the plugged zerk. Its usually a combo of dirt, dust and old crusty grease.

 

[Tractorrr]

I think I must have stripped the threads when greasing it the first time. Either that or it came messed up from when I bought it.

I'm unable to thread the zerk back into place. May have to take it to the dealer as opposed to trying to fix it we'll see

 

[diesel85]

I have this happen to me when I least expect it. However, the best way to fix it (the dealer will do the same) is to get a tap and die and make a larger thread size. They do make self tapping zerk fittings, but I've had so-so experiences with them. I much prefer taking the time to re-tap the hole.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

Got to ask a dumb question: are these threaded or barbed? Screw in or press in? I have no idea... that's why I'm asking.

Z.

 

[Tractorrr]

They are threaded on the loader.

Diesel 85, I think you are right about getting it retapped the next size up. Thanks

 

[TMGT]

Before over sizing the hole I would try to clean the threads and install a new fitting.
It's not uncommon for the grease fittings to unscrew until it's the last little but and damage the last thread or 2, then the fitting will not thread back in easily.

Had to do this on quite a few fittings, sometimes it can be cleaned with a pick, sometimes you have to run a tap or thread chaser through the hole.

 

[Blondie70]

I think a "bottoming" tap would be called for. Regular tap couldn't work.

 

[TMGT]

I was thinking pull the pin out enough to tap it all the way through, pin doesn't have to come all the way out.

 

[Dave M7040]

I have had success making a "tap" out of an old zerk.

I use a dremel and cut two or more slots across the zerk.

The slots help the fitting cut new threads with the slots providing a place for metal flakes to go.

Once you get it started back it out and clean of flakes often and then install new zerk.

The zerk thread is likely a tapered pipe thread not a regular straight bolt thread. A tapered thread is often called a pipe thread where you wrap the threads with Teflon tape before screwing together.

This link may help you to identify which zerk you have.
http://www.nspa.com/images/old catalog/fittings & accessories.pdf
I have seen zerks which are pressed in not threaded I guess because it is cheaper to make but no fun when plugged or damaged.

Dave M7040

 

[TMGT]

I have had success making a "tap" out of an old zerk.

I use a dremel and cut two or more slots across the zerk.

The slots help the fitting cut new threads with the slots providing a place for metal flakes to go.

Once you get it started back it out and clean of flakes often and then install new zerk.

The zerk thread is likely a tapered pipe thread not a regular straight bolt thread. A tapered thread is often called a pipe thread where you wrap the threads with Teflon tape before screwing together.

This link may help you to identify which zerk you have.
http://www.nspa.com/images/old catalog/fittings & accessories.pdf
I have seen zerks which are pressed in not threaded I guess because it is cheaper to make but no fun when plugged or damaged.

Dave M7040

All the fittings on the 3 Kubota's I have are straight thread, one is a BX1500, I can't remember the size for the loader fittings off the top of my head though.

 

[Tractorrr]

There are different size grease zerks on the loader but I figured out that the one I need to change is 1/4 UNF which I think is the same as 1/4-28. I would assume all the grease zerks on the loader are American or the unified system rather than metric.

I think the first thing I will try is to get a 1/4-28 tap and some new 1/4-28 grease zerks. If that doesn't work then going up to the next size of 5/16 UNF should work.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Have a grease fitting tool that removes, extracts, and taps most grease fittings.

Amazon.com: Lincoln Lubrication G95 Large 4-Way Grease Fitting Tool: Automotive


Amazon.com: Lincoln Lubrication G94 Small 4-Way Grease Fitting Tool: Automotive

David

 

[Tractorrr]

I got a 1/4 28 tap and was able to tap it and put a new zerk in. It works so I guess that it's good enough for now.

There is another zerk on the loader that will take grease if I unscrew it some from the threads, but when it is snugged into the threads it does not.

 

[Tags]

I got a 1/4 28 tap and was able to tap it and put a new zerk in. It works so I guess that it's good enough for now.

There is another zerk on the loader that will take grease if I unscrew it some from the threads, but when it is snugged into the threads it does not.

Keep in mind, if it is a new machine some may be hard to grease until you use it a bit because of the tight tolerances. Glad you got your grease fitting fixed though!