NH 68 Plunger Bushings

On my 270 baler, there is an arm coming off the gearbox. That arm connects to a rod with a fairly short pin. The other end of the rod connects to the plunger itself, with a rather long pin.

Now, which connection has a 1/2" of side to side play? Could it be taken up with washers?

And what is the back & forth slop in both ends of that plunger rod?

Since you replaced the wood slides, I'll assume they are not a part of this whole bearing/ bushing/ 1/2" problem, but you are talking about one end or other of the actual connecting rod.

--->Paul

First of all, I am no NH square baler mechanic. I would expect that you want no play at the plunger bearings. No reason to use a bearing and a bushing. Both do the same thing. Sounds like a receipe for disaster. Bearings are designed to roll. You didn't specify if the play was at the outter race (plunger) or inner race (pin). Play at either will transfer tremendous shock loads to the races and face areas. I would expect rapid failure of the races. Sounds like someone has spun a bearing at some point and either worn the pin down or wallowed out the plunger housing. That may take some serious repairs. I would invest in them. Breaking a plunger pin is no fun, did that in 1985 on my 336 JD. Plunger went all the way into the needle mechanism. Broke both needles, bent the needle frame, broke a knotter, and did $500 worth of damage to the plunger.

I spose if no play allowed I better get at it. Not sure how the pin comes out. Then getting the old bushing out might be fun.

I think I am going to pull the plunger out of my parts machine and take a look at it. May be I get lucky and that one has no play.