Siezed bolt on 1939 John Deere B clutch lever

DaveJD · Jan 24, 2021

Hi All,
My Dad left me a 1939 B that he didn't get finished. One issue is the clutch lever was loose from wear but the bolt is seized in the frame of the tractor. I've tried to press it out with a little rig but nothing. I don't want to hit it for fear of cracking the casting. Any advice? I can send pictures. Thank you!

55 50 Ron · Jan 24, 2021

It should come out with a press. Show a picture of your "little rig" so we can tell if it's strong enough to do the press. It will take a very strong fixture (rig) and maybe some penetrant to finally get it out. I did that on my model 50 some years ago and it had a tapered spline on that bolt and took lots of pressure from the rig to break it loose. I suspect the B has the same tapered bolt.

You are correct to not hammer on it because that can break the casting the bolt fits into.

dan_41jdh · Jan 24, 2021

Sundahl's makes a C-framed pressing tool for that task.
Hand Clutch Pivot Pin Tool

55 50 Ron · Jan 24, 2021

That is the way to go. Thanks Dan. I had forgotten about the Sunsdahls and that tool.

DaveJD · Jan 25, 2021

(quoted from post at 20:28:45 01/24/21) That is the way to go. Thanks Dan. I had forgotten about the Sunsdahls and that tool.

Thank you Ron and Dan! This is perfect - I've ordered the tool. Thanks again.

Blksmok · Jan 25, 2021

Here's what I do. May or may not work for you. Heat the casting around the pivot bolt for 15 - 20 minutes with MAPP gas. While it is still warm, spray it with JB Blaster. Let it cool. Put a good pipe wrench on the head of the pivot bolt and try to get the bolt to rotate inside the casting. Once you have rotational movement you can usually get the bolt to move horizontally.

matthies · Jan 25, 2021

That bolt is lightly splined, can't see it rotating much.

Blksmok · Jan 25, 2021

Splines are very small and no match for the leverage of a good pipe wrench.

Resting Relics 1 · Jan 25, 2021

Agreed,
I have used that tool many times. Hasn't let me down yet. I suppose if it was really tight one could always heat it a little then I'm positive it would come out.
John

sds46a · Jan 26, 2021

Steiner has a new bolt once you get it out.

PJH · Jan 26, 2021

I don't know about the 1939 B, but the newer tractors also have a clutch lever bushing that can be replaced. A new bolt and a new bushing together will make it like new again. Then there are the oversized pins for the operating rod that will help some more.

I'll bet you already knew this, but I'm throwing it out there just in case you didn't.
As they say - while you've got it apart. . .

DaveJD · Jul 29, 2021

This was very helpful and I got the tool and the parts and all worked well. I also got it running for the first time, and now have another set of questions, and will send them soon. Thanks again.

Siezed bolt on 1939 John Deere B clutch lever

DaveJD

New User

55 50 Ron

Well-known Member

dan_41jdh

Member

55 50 Ron

Well-known Member

DaveJD

New User

Blksmok

Member

matthies

Well-known Member

Blksmok

Member

Resting Relics 1

Member

sds46a

Member

PJH

Well-known Member

DaveJD

New User

Similar threads