Update on 53 Oil Leak

[RogerW]

I got the tractor split this afternoon. Looks like it is leaking behind the oil pump. Have not pulled it off yet. I did have one boo-boo. Anyone have the governor arm that the throttle rod and spring hook to. I broke the ear off. Looks like i have to take the governor housing off to het it off..

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It appears that it has been leaking.

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Clutch disc looks good except may be a little thin. Not too much above Rivet heads.

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Pressure plate looks real good other than oil & grease. Fingers not worn much and are smooth.

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Throw-out brng. looks good , but is it a good idea to change it anyway while it is apart?

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[RogerW]

Another couple of questions. Should I replace the rear main seal ? I understand there is an updated seal retainer? Also, what do you used to align the clutch plate so it will go back together?

[ScottyD'sdad]

Another couple of questions. Should I replace the rear main seal ? I understand there is an updated seal retainer? Also, what do you used to align the clutch plate so it will go back together?

There is an updated seal holder, for big bucks. Have Tim (TST) machine yours, and install a new seal. We usually use a short piece of transmission shaft, as an alignment tool. T think theres a "how to" to make one,.
Ed

[Eugene]

New clutch disk, appears to have been stuck to pressure plate.

Polish up pressure plate face with some crocus cloth.

Throw out bearing - can't tell from photo if it needs to or should be replaced.

Clutch alignment tool. There are plastic one's available for a couple of dollars. Some folks use wooden dowels and black tape. I just eye ball the alignment.

[Charles (49) Mo]

Can't tell from the picture but it looks like you are using either high temperature or synthetic grease. You "MUST" use the cheap grease that has a low melting point so it can penetrate the graphite block.

[RogerW]

Not one of my better days. Looks like the rear seal is leaking, so I will need the address where to send the retainer to get it updated.
The seal in it now is #251378R92, which I imagine is the old seal #. Now for my problem. How do you support the radiator/front axle assembly when you take the engine off it? I had to take it off to get the governor housing off so I could get the throttle arm off I broke. What a mess! Anyhow, I thought i had it supported good, but it fell forward and the radiator tank hit something and bent the radiator back a little. Not it leaks at the bottom of the rad.. Guess I should not have been working on Sunday! Someone a few days ago said where he got a radiator, but I can't remember where. I may get the thing going again someday, but today sure has been frustrating.

[staninlowerAL]

You can contact tst (Tim) by sending a PM for details on a modified retainer and seal. If you plan to replace the radiator or any other of the parts you referenced, he may also have some good used ones or some of the site sponsers can come to your rescue. A good radiator repair shop might be able to salvage your radiator. EDIT: I just looked at the site classified section "THE VINE" and he had a good radiator about a week ago.

[RogerW]

Thanks Stan. I just sent him a PM.

[bythepond88]

You can easily make your own clutch alignment tool. Take a short length of dowel (I think it's 5/8 - there's a standard size that will fit snugly in the pilot bushing. Slide it into the bushing, then slide the clutch disc over it until it is flush up to the flywheel. Make marks on the dowel either side of the clutch hub. Remove the clutch disk and dowel, and start wrapping duct tape strips a bit wider than the clutch hub around the dowel until it is thick enough to be snug when the clutch disk is slid on to the duct tape. Slide the dowel back into the pilot bushing, slide the clutch onto the duct tape and bolt up the pressure plate.

[RogerW]

Thanks. Hadn't thought of that one. Good old duct tape to the rescue.

[Matt Kirsch]

I bought a universal clutch alignment tool at the local Harbor Freight for about $15. It has an interchangeable tip for different pilot bearing sizes and a tapered cone that slides in to align the clutch disk.