Allis B Sickle Forward Mounting Bolts

I just picked up a B with a currently detached sickle bar mower and was looking at what needs to be done to get it working. The prev. owner had taken the mower off, but left the large forward mounting bolts screwed just hand tight a few threads in place into the frame. I went to run one in and out just to convince myself that it was OK but I found it surprisingly tight, to the point where I suspect it may not be the right size (or its been cross-threaded before somehow). Also, looking at the bolts close-up, the threads almost appear squared off v. the V-shape that I"m used to seeing. Anyone have the specs on these bolts? I"m an Allis newbie so maybe this is how they all are, just want to be sure before I do some serious torquing. Thanks, Bill

If you are talking the four bolts that are inserted into tapped holes in the torque tube, those are 5/8"-11 UNC x 1-1/4" long. At least they were for the 1942 model year. I know my '42B is original in that respect. The bolts should not be tight in the holes. It sounds like you may have some bolts or holes with buggered threads. I suggest you verify the 5/8 size, chase the holes with the correct tap and get new bolts. You also need to be careful that any bolts are not too long. It's too easy to run smack dab into the flywheel.

Rod

I am in the process of bolting mine up for the first time (see:>Link

Best of luck with your new project...

Chris
Scappoose Oregon

Thanks very much, that"s what I thought I measured, I"ll pick up some new bolts and chase the threads out and see how that works ...