Fixing Oil Pan

[Stanton]

Dale Finch's recent efforts to thoroughly go over her tractors got me thinking I need to get my primary Cub ready for winter--it's fast approaching! One of the many items was to change the oil. I noticed that oil had been leaking/seeping from either around the perimeter of the oil pan, or from somewhere, making a mess. In Dale's spirit of doing things, I dropped the pan to see how much gunk had collected over the years.

Not bad as far as gunk goes.

I was reminded of a dent the pan received years ago when I put the blade under the Cub in the wrong spot and raised it into the pan. Yeah, I'm sure you all never do things like that!

Dent in pan.

Inside shot of dent.

Was able to use the press and push the dent back out. Filled the pan with used oil and let it sit for a few hours to make sure there were no cracks causing leaks. Everything was OK, so back on the Cub it went.

Pushed back out.

[Clemsonfor]

Nice work. I need to pull mine and clean sludge. Does the little bell housing cover come off to get at the back three bolts?

[Stanton]

Nice work. I need to pull mine and clean sludge. Does the little bell housing cover come off to get at the back three bolts?

Yes. There are four bolt/washers/nuts that hold the cover on, but I'll warn you, getting that middle bolt out can be a challenge. I used a socket handle with flip top/end, but something like this would work well:



You'll have to find out what works for you. Skinny finger also helps.

[Dale Finch]

I no longer have quick access to a press, but the next time I need to work out a sheet metal dent, I sure hope I remember using one and visit my friend's shop! The steel is stronger than it looks, and more damage than repair can be done with a BFH!

[Clemsonfor]

Nice work. I need to pull mine and clean sludge. Does the little bell housing cover come off to get at the back three bolts?

Yes. There are four bolt/washers/nuts that hold the cover on, but I'll warn you, getting that middle bolt out can be a challenge. I used a socket handle with flip top/end, but something like this would work well:



You'll have to find out what works for you. Skinny finger also helps.

Do 3/8 or 1/4" u joint with a socket not work? Or a u joint combined with a socket?

[Dale Finch]

I use a 1/4" ratchet, plus 6" extension, with a special shallow 1/2" universal socket, but don't remember the brand...something like this:

1003004510.jpg (8.8 KiB) Viewed 555 times

https://www.lowes.com/pd/TEKTON-1-4-in-Drive-x-1-2-in-Universal-Joint-Socket-SHD08013/1003004510?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-google-_-pla-_-216-_-soshandtools-_-1003004510-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=CjwKCAjwiOv7BRBREiwAXHbv3DNOSYhUAWm1wwFwnxjQNGLk9Ra0W_gppzZ7lYGzIMMe4FAEJeqDuxoCResQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Stanton]

I use a 1/4" ratchet, plus 6" extension, with a special shallow 1/2" universal socket, but don't remember the brand...something like this:
1003004510.jpg
https://www.lowes.com/pd/TEKTON-1-4-in-Drive-x-1-2-in-Universal-Joint-Socket-SHD08013/1003004510?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-google-_-pla-_-216-_-soshandtools-_-1003004510-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=CjwKCAjwiOv7BRBREiwAXHbv3DNOSYhUAWm1wwFwnxjQNGLk9Ra0W_gppzZ7lYGzIMMe4FAEJeqDuxoCResQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

That would do. My 3/8" swivel attachment is too long and diameter is too big to fit up in there and get on the 1/2" bolt head.

[Gary Dotson]

The socket Dale referenced is the best tool for the job. If you get a set of them, you'll find hundreds of uses for them.

[Bill Hudson]

The socket Dale referenced is the best tool for the job. If you get a set of them, you'll find hundreds of uses for them.

You betcha!

Bill

[RonT]

One tip on using the universal joint sockets: As they get older and looser, they flop around and can be a pain to get on the bolt head such as when accessing the rear oil pan bolts on a Cub. A trick I learned years ago was to wrap a rubber band around the u-joint area. It will keep the socket pointed in the correct direction. It won't last very long but what the heck - rubber bands are cheap.

Ron

[Dale Finch]

Ooo...good tip!

[Clemsonfor]

One tip on using the universal joint sockets: As they get older and looser, they flop around and can be a pain to get on the bolt head such as when accessing the rear oil pan bolts on a Cub. A trick I learned years ago was to wrap a rubber band around the u-joint area. It will keep the socket pointed in the correct direction. It won't last very long but what the heck - rubber bands are cheap.

Ron

The trick I have seen when my father in law had his mechanic shop was electrical tape. Does the same thing.

[john2189]

One tip on using the universal joint sockets: As they get older and looser, they flop around and can be a pain to get on the bolt head such as when accessing the rear oil pan bolts on a Cub. A trick I learned years ago was to wrap a rubber band around the u-joint area. It will keep the socket pointed in the correct direction. It won't last very long but what the heck - rubber bands are cheap.

Ron

The trick I have seen when my father in law had his mechanic shop was electrical tape. Does the same thing.

I use a center punch and pein the swivel pins to tighten them up. Doesn’t take much

[Jim Becker]

I've used masking tape, it helps. My biggest problem with flopping universals has been my 1/4" drive. I stumbled across a coil spring the right size to slip over the joint for a permanent fix. It works pretty well and generally stays in place.

[BigBill]

When u joints flop time to fix them or replace them. Sometimes a prick point punch on the shaft will tighten them up. I wonder if there under warranty? The spring loaded ball in the extention are, I’ve had them replaced under warranty.

I’ve had husky tools from the late 60’s that were under warranty. I had a new set of sk wrenches where the chrome chipped. They sent me a brand new set of pro wrenches. I use nothing but sk now.