Gas tank removal?

[Jim in SC]

Got a question on the gas tank on my H. I want to remove it to get the tractor ready for some painting but the castle nuts turn along with the bolt. I looked on the internet and got this answer from another forum, but it doesn't make any sense to me:

"I believe the farmall H uses studs so you should be able to pull the whole stud out to remove the tank. Then you can clamp the stud in a vise to remove the nut."

What does that mean? Does the tank just lift off? What is the purpose of the castle nut and spring?

[Stanton]

That sounds correct, but may not be remembering correctly. The Parts manual is located on the manual server. I’m on my phone right now and cannot confirm.

[oldfarmkid]

Info from other forum is correct. Think of the stud as a bolt with threads at each end. One end screws into the gas tank. If the entire stud turns as you try to remove the nut,thats ok, just keep turning till the entire stud unscrews from the tank. Removing all three studs is the easiest way to remove the tank. Once they are removed the tank can be removed simply by removing it from either side of the tractor. If you don't remove the studs, removal of the steering shaft and throttle rod would need to take place so you could lift it up and off. If you want to unscrew the nut from the stud, just place the stud in a vice (Un- threaded part of stud) to protect the threads. Then remove cotter pin and nut. That is if you want to paint each part separate. Just guessing Pad and Spring are meant as a means of some what cushioning the fuel tank. Make sure tank is empty. Once all three studs are removed and you move the rear of the tank off it's mount, that tank is coming off whether your ready for it or not. Same when you put that nicely painted tank back on. Make sure you are holding it in place as you line up the holes to insert the tank studs. I did not, and as I moved the front sideways just the tiniest bit to line up the holes, the rear of the tank shifted off it's mount and came crashing to the concrete floor from the opposite site. Proved I had a Masters Degree from Yosemite Sams School of Cursing when that happened. Hope this helps.

Tim

[Jim in SC]

Tim, excellent instruction on removing the tank! Thank you very much. Your explanation made the removal process very clear and was easy to understand. Hopefully I can avoid getting my Master's in Cursing from YSSoC as well!

And thanks to Stanton as well. I will be downloading the manual as soon as I can.

Jim

[oldfarmkid]

Very good Jim, Glad I could be of some help. I'm located in Upstate SC, between Anderson and Greenville. Best of luck on your project.

[Jim in SC]

Tim, I just bought my H about 3 weeks ago from a really nice guy who lives just outside of Fountain Inn/Simpsonville, in your neck of the woods! My H was bought new in Greenville back in 1951 by his grandfather.

[oldfarmkid]

Have to admit I'm a bit envious of the knowledge you have with your H's history. Bought my 1940 H at a local auction house. All they would tell me is it was part of an estate sale. So I'll be happy it's still around and in pretty good shape. Even being in pretty good shape ,still can't believe the time and money I've put into it since last November. Always could appreciate someone who could take on the rusty, locked up, long neglected tractor and turn it into a better than new tractor. Admire them more now. Best of luck with yours.

Tim