Farmall H Clutch Housing questions

Hi all,

Three questions (started with two but I'm on a roll )

#1 - I'm in the process of restoring my '46H. I'm considering not reinstalling the belly pump when I get to that point. What would have been the "factory correct" method of plugging the holes in the sides and top? I've looked at a lot of dust covers (McMaster/Carr, etc.) and I'm sure many would work, but I'd like to stick with as close to original as possible.

Also, how difficult is it to find the Clutch Housing Cover (P/N: 8025D)?

#2 - I'm sure that this is pretty typical, but there is quite a bit of play in the clutch release shaft. Whether this is due to wear on the shaft itself, or in the holes themselves, I'm not sure. What would be the best way to fix this? I was considering having a machine shop slightly bore the holes and then put a sleeve in each side to remove the play. I don't think that doing anything to the shaft itself is a good idea since it isn't solid due to need to be able to grease the shaft.

Last but not least:

#3 - When splitting the clutch housing from the rear frame, I found that the threads on the dowel pins were shot. Lots of beating and banging later and I got them separated. Does anyone have a source for these 5/8"-11 outside threaded pins? If not, I'll probably replace with the newer style inside threaded pins... they may not be correct but nobody but me would ever know they are there...

Sorry for the long winded questions but thanks in advance as always!

--b

#1 The dust covers that clip into a hole will be OK. Sand them to remove chrome, then paint as needed to match.
#2The installation of bushings is great. the shaft can be built up and ground back to cylindrical to assure a good clutch
action.
#3 Do it. Jim

Thank you sir. Short and to the point, works for me! I appreciate the suggestions!!

--b

If you have the front bolster off the tractor? Look up in the bottom where the V posts join the bottom. You can see the housing hole plugs 57563DX on side that would be on the outside of the clutch housing. Not to easy to get most out to look how the spring steel on back holds them in the hole though. Other than tractors that came without hydraulics the plugs are found on SM tractors that came without a liftall unit in the center housing. Also in bolsters H through 450.
Covers for bottom can be found but may take a while to find a non cracked or broken one. Other than tractors without hydraulics they came on stage 2 SH tractors, also not plentiful. Don't know about the dowel pins except used.

Thanks for the additional response. I do have the Bolster off and that makes sense. As for the Liftall delete, I fully expect that finding the cover plate will be difficult.

If I cant find one by the time I'm ready to put everything back together, I may just re-install the unit but not fully hook it up. I've got a 41H that has a good working unit, so I really don't need it on this one. Part of my reasoning for not reinstalling was to save weight for when the tractor eventually gets put onto a trailer. Not that big of a deal though.

thanks!

--b