Air Cleaner Mounting Question

[lyle11]

You’re probably thinking, it’s 2 bolts how dumb is this guy? On the Cub I am working on the bottom bolt is broken off with just a nub sticking out. No access to try to extract it. I don’t want to remove the head. So, when I reinstall it I have only the top bolt. I am looking to reduce vibration or anything that would disturb and lead to loosening of the top bolt. It is the low style stack that barely clears the hood so there isn’t anything to brush against a tree branch so that’s a plus.

Is there a high temperature sealant, double sided tape, or any recommended product that I could put between the air cleaner bracket and the head to add a little stability?

I don’t have it is front of me to look at but perhaps I can also put a flat washer behind the lock washer on the one bolt and add some surface area that the bolt head is pressing on.

Thanks

[tenn terry t]

I think I would cut that bottom hole out to the bottom of the bracket put the air cleaner back on and hold a washer up to that nubb and weld the washer to the nubb its self not the bracket. that would keep it from moving round too much, who knows after welding that washer on the heat might just make it where you could turn that nubb out with visegrips

[staninlowerAL]

I don't think there is any product that will do what your asking to do (I may be wrong). I also think (dangerous for me to do) the broken bolt that you are referring to is into the water jacket and is probably why it broke. Have you considered removing the radiator to gain access? Better than removing the head and left hand drill bit might back it out if you soak it for a while.

[Bill Hudson]

I've been thinking about this and the longer I think about it I'm left with the old question, "How come there is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over?" I'm in Stan's camp on this one.

Bill

[lyle11]

Good suggestion but there is not enough bolt protruding to weld a nut on. The remaining bolt protrudes about the same as the thickness of the bracket. Radiator is already removed but access is not direct due to the fan brackets on the engine front cover.

Anyway, thanks for your replies.

[lyle11]

I appreciate the idea to take the time to do it right. If I could drill straight on the rusty bolt nub it would be a good plan. But if I try a left hand drill bit at an angle, there is a good chance I end up grinding off the bolt nub without getting the bolt out. At least the nub acts to hold the air cleaner upright. I have plenty of time but I think there is too much risk that I end up making it worse. I’ll probably just install it with one bolt and check it periodically.

I do appreciate the suggestions. I have had pretty much zero success removing rusted in bolts so I don’t have a high degree of confidence.

[Slim140]

If you go with your last post I would put a grade 8 bolt in the top so it's less likely to break off like a grade 5 or less would be. You could always clean both surfaces really good and put some epoxy between the two before bolting it back on. I would think you would be able to separate it again when the time comes.

[lyle11]

Thanks Shane. I think that’s what I’ll do.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I think Shane has given you the best solution without doing some welding, etc. but be careful of bolt length. That broken bolt does not go into the water jacket, it along with the top bolt both go back to the hole for the front center head bolt.If you want to work on it while the radiator is off, the fan is easy to remove at that point. If you decide to remove the fan, turn the shaft while holding the nut, do NOT turn the nut.

[lyle11]

Thanks John. Looks like somebody already made that mistake because one side of the fan mount has been welded. Sloppy job too but apparently strong enough. I actually have a good engine front cover at my other place but it is 700 miles away. If I had it here I would be tempted to replace the cover. I guess that would get me access to drill the broken bolt but I don’t want to wait.

I saw a comment in another thread about the free gas cap and speculating if CASE/IH tracks SNs. This tank has the triple baffle black cap so a previous owner probably got a free one, but I might as well try and maybe they send me one. I’ve got 3 so far.

[brewzalot]

Good suggestion but there is not enough bolt protruding to weld a nut on. The remaining bolt protrudes about the same as the thickness of the bracket

Sometimes you can weld a washer on first and then a nut to the washer. You would be surprised how easy they can come out this way, but as you said it all depends on your comfort level. Not much to lose if you want to try it though, you can always grind it off.

Tim

[lyle11]

Although I hope to try some welding at some point this year, the last time I welded Jimmy Carter was president. So, my skills have eroded a little.

[brewzalot]

Although I hope to try some welding at some point this year, the last time I welded Jimmy Carter was president. So, my skills have eroded a little.

I'm just guessing that was with a stick welder? The smaller mig welders work great for things like this...

Jimmy who?

[lyle11]

That was back in the days when we had shop “Industrial Arts” class in HS and I went to a college that was kind of tech school like where we did metal work and welding. I did stick, MIG, and brazing with acetylene. I much preferred that kind of work and machinist work to computer/office work but didn’t like the dangerous aspect of doing it 40+ hours a week.

I have a few little welding jobs on this Cub. Hood bracket, headlight post nut, etc. Figured I would research what welder to buy and practice before I work on real stuff.

[lyle11]

It was actually TIG welding I did and all I recall is that the acronym was for Tungsten Inert Gas.

I also remember in those days getting 16% interest on a 1 year Certificate of Deposit and an older co-worker telling me of the good old days (that we will never see again) when he got a mortgage at 5% interest.

About 3 years after I cashed in my whopping $2,500 16% CD, I got a letter from the IRS telling me how I underreported the interest and here is what I owe including a penalty. Thankfully, I kept my monthly interest receipts and the receipt I got when I cashed in the CD and was quickly able to prove that the bank was giving them wrong information. That is fortunately the only time I ever heard from the IRS.