[ltcffl03]

a couple of updates, I was able to breakdown the rear tires and mount new ones in about twenty minutes, but I spent two nights after work fighting to get the beads to seat. I tried single ratchet straps, double ratchet straps, single wide straps, I tried a barrel trick that didn’t work for me, than I tried brake cleaner and a flame…that didn’t work (and the outcome was bad), so I gave in and brought them to a tire shop….$5.00 and 10 minutes later I was on my way. Maybe I’m stubborn, in my mind I just like to accomplish things on my own, I take pride in what I do. In my defense neither of the tires seat the first time for the tire shop guys.

 

[ltcffl03]

I also got another set of front rims in to replace the rotted ones. I plan on cleaning them up this week and put the new skins on

 

[ltcffl03]

So i didn’t want to do it but…… I pulled it out.

 

[ltcffl03]

I sat looking at it for awhile and decided it would be easier to clean it up, replace the seals then reinstall it as a unit, and as a bonus access to the valve is much better

 

[ltcffl03]

For all of you that did the h2 to h3 swap with all of the stuff in the way I take my hat off to you.

 

[ltcffl03]

I spent a little time cleaning up the dash tower side panels and shot some paint on them.

 

[ltcffl03]

Got back at it today, decided to flip the chassis up for easier access installing the H3 valve. I welded on an extension to the frame bracket to mount the valve. Glad I did because I found the frame rails cracked on both sides. I ground a grove into the cracks and welded them up.

 

[ltcffl03]

I need to find or make a templet to locate the correct location of the bottom hole.

 

[ltcffl03]

another pic of the bracket extension and valve test placement

 

[ltcffl03]

Another angle of the crack up by the front axle, theres a lot of play in the spindles and axle pivot.

 

[ltcffl03]

More of the other frame crack before repair, makes me question what happened, how bad was this tractor abused to have this all happen.

 

[PA318Guy]

I think that's the first time I've seen one of the steering plates cracked at the adjuster. Makes me think it might have taken a good drop into a hole somewhere.

 

[ltcffl03]

I spent a few hours yesterday trying to figure out the correct/best location for the valve. Anyone have any pic's of an h3 valve and levers installed you can share showing the which handle try to which spool and the clock position of the arms at the bottom of the control levers where the linkage attaches. I've done multiple searches and found a few old posts that at one time had pic's but are now showing as missing, and I'm getting conflicting info on which handle to which spool. Thank you

 

[ltcffl03]

got more time this weekend to work on the 318, cleaned up the drive, new seals and filter. hoping to have the frame ready to reinstall this.

M

 

[ltcffl03]

Got the valve mounted and linkage modified/attached. Had to cut a a small section of the crossmember out for linkage clearance. Re bend one set of links, extend one and shorten the other. Next is to plum it all.

 

[ltcffl03]

I spent some time bending the steel lines for clearance and figuring out what I needed to make up and how I should route them. I should have made notes on what went where before taking it apart, tomorrow ill make up the hoses.

 

[ltcffl03]

Looking at the wear on and around the front axle I decided to pull it. As someone suggested I’m going to drill and tap for a grease fitting at the pivot. The adjustment bolts are extremely worn down and into the frame pad. I filled in the void with weld and ground it back down smooth. I‘ll pickup some new hardware this week.

 

[ltcffl03]

Not my best welding but it’ll work.

 

[ltcffl03]

The spindles are pretty worn also, think I’m just going to tig weld

in a few washers

 

[ltcffl03]

Got all the hoses made up and all but one left to install, I think I’ve finally it a milestone.