Super 55 split

Paul Kollas · Aug 9, 2013

Working on a 1955 S55 gas, inoperative clutch. Tractor is located on ground, not perfectly flat, not concrete. Planning on attempting a Z split, but am worried about reassembly problems-- getting engine and pto drive shafts aligned and inserted into clutch. Looking for tips and problems to expected.

Dick W. · Aug 9, 2013

It will be much easier if you can get it on a hard and flat surface. Don't forget to put blocks between the front axle and the frame to keep it from tilting. I put the PTO in gear when going back together so the shaft can be turned to align the splines. You might also put the trans in gear and use a wrench on the front of the engine to align the clutch splines. I wonder how you will move the front half away from the back half on a not-hard surface? HTH. The Z split is easy on a good surface.

Mike (WA) · Aug 9, 2013

I ususally suspend the front half from above with a sling around the belly, and use a rolling hydraulic jack for the back. In your case, put the jack on a 2 X 12, so it will roll back easily. An overhead crane is just a loader tractor, with the loader blocked up with a couple wood fence posts, and the wheels chocked.

When you take it apart, note how far the front and back halves are apart when the two halves are free of each other. Get 2 bolts that are a couple inches longer than that distance, cut the heads off them, and use them as alignment studs when you put it back together. Adjust the vertical with the floor jack, and it should go together pretty easily.

I think the clutch disk engages first- turn the flywheel ring gear with a big screwdriver through the starter hole to adjust the splines so they mesh. Then you can engage the PTO lever, and turn the PTO shaft with your hand to get those splines to mesh.

I'd invest in an IT manual, if you haven't already done so.

RCP · Aug 9, 2013

Do you have a way to support the engine half from an overhead hoist? I find this to be much easier that blocks or jacks, and it helps with the reassembly.

Rich

Mike (WA) · Aug 9, 2013

In my experience, it works much better to roll the back half back, rather than the front half forward. Sling the front half from above, and it will be stationary, and it won't flop over sideways on the front bolster. And back half has handy handles to move it back- the rear tires!

I've done it by myself, but it really is better to have a helper.

bahmi · Aug 9, 2013

I really LIKE the idea of using bolts with the heads cut off as studs to re-align the halves. That is a terrific suggestion and I will use it when I face a clutch job. Thanks!!

Paul Kollas · Aug 9, 2013

Wow, this is great to see such response! Thanks so much!
Yes, i do have a shop crane, but i had been thinking of using blocks under the engine half, and a roll-around hydraulic jack under the tractor half.I have a VERY OLD Walker jack, weighs about the same as the S 55. As one of you suggested, i had placed 2 - 2x12, 10 or 12ft long planks, side by side, under the tractor for a better, more stable surface for the jack to roll on. But the ground slopes somewhat in two directions, and i worry about the casters deciding on their own, which way they want to go. I'm thinking now that i will set up the crane (frequently called a cherry picker for some reason) for the front. I have both the Gensales and the I&T shop manuals. I&T like the crane hoist on the front; Gensales likes the 'pull the tractor away from the engine' method. I really like the suggestions given here in the forum, about guiding bolts and rotating flywheel/PTO for alignment.

super 55 · Aug 9, 2013

Do you have some 3/4 inch plywood around to at least make the ground smooth and not sink under the weight on the jack. Also, not mater what wood you use to set the jacks on, you could make channels with strips of wood so that the casters don't find their own route.

Row Crop · Aug 10, 2013

I used long bolts with the heads cut off, and slid mine back together myself.

Paul Kollas · Aug 13, 2013

Nice shop! I will be doing a Z-split, where the center frame cover remains attached to the engine. Where did you screw the headless bolts in?

Paul Kollas · Aug 13, 2013

I don't have a plywood sheet-- yet. But that thought had occurred to me some time back, and now that you've suggested it, it's time for me to get a sheet. Since the tractor is inop, it's going to take some fooling around to get the plywood under the rear wheels, or maybe under all 4 wheels. The tractor is at my son's place, a little over 3hr drive away. Not a daily visit.

Super 55 split

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Dick W.

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Mike (WA)

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bahmi

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