Take a look at the thumbnail. I took a look at my tran cover in today and this location was suggested for the cut to split it. Instead of going through back side of the flywheel cover, it goes into it about 1/2 inch or so across the inspection cover. It eliminates the angles in the cut.

This varies from what the service bulliten suggests, but I do not see why this would hurt. The angular cuts are a higher cost and the shop is not sure what to use to work out cutting the angles.

Anyway, if anyone sees this as a problem, input is welcome.

bernie

I haven't compared a cut cover to a factory 2-piece cover but I can tell you it is a close fit (slight interference even) to get the clutch/flywheel assembly out of the factory job so I wouldn't want to pinch down on the opening without doing a mock up to see if it will work.

Stolen from Old Magnet and modified-Room for the main clutch was one concern I had and the other is the lack of support cutting through the inspection plate. The service bulliten location is supported in front of the cut and behind it. This seems minor as the cover is pretty thick. I will take another look tomorrow and see how close to the edge of the inspection hole I can get.

thanks-this is sure something I would like to do. It is difficult to find someone around here to do this cut. I am a little surprised...
bernie

Bernie,
The reason for the angular cut is so the front half of the cover can be removed without having to pull the pony flywheel. With the straight cut as pictured you'd still have to remove the flywheel before the cover could come off.

You might call around and see if any of the shops have a Marvel #8 bandsaw. That would be the easiest of the power saws to set up as the table is flat but the blade and carriage can be tilted to any degree up to 45°. It would be a lot easier if the shift lever and tower was off as well as the steering clutch levers. If you're real handy with a Sawzall, it could also be done with that. You'd need a long blade on it that's rated for metal.

I just did a clutch job on a "U" model last summer that had the split deck (factory). I still had to remove the pony flywheel to get it removed in spite of the supposed feature of not having to do that. I tried turning it every way I could but no go and there were even fewer teeth on the clutch disc after multiple attempts.....maybe that's why I have seen some covers with the corner broken off the rear section. No way was I going to replace the disc and risk ruining it in the process.....those teeth a very fragile.

Well, I am somewhat happy to say I have split my transmission cover to two pieces. Not the "purtiest" job most of you have likely witnessed, but nonetheless done.

I used my recip saw, (sawzall), and 4-1/2" angle grinder. The 14-1/2 inch dimension did hot cut well and there was enough "stuff" under there that I am not sure with the equip I used I could have come into it much closer.

Total time was about two hours with five blades and one cutting wheel.

If someone tries to make the 14-1/2" dimension from the front work, I recommend 14-3/4" or so. The cavity in the bottom of the cover is tight there.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions and help. It turned out to be a mix of what nearly everyone suggested. I got tired of hauling the thing around. The waterjet was something I was looking forward to seeing, but the cavities and the angled cut was not practical for that tool.

Thanks again,

Looks like ya "got 'er done" Bernie. Pretty is one thing, function is what you were after and it looks like it'll work the way it is. After you break all sharp edges, particularly on the inside of the main cover it looks like it's gonna be time to get on with assembly.

Are you going to paint the critter after it's back together? No matter what, it'll be good to see it back into one piece and running, won't it?

Yeah Paul, it sure will be. I guess I am running out of excuses now, eh?

Not planning on any paint at this point. I have miscellaneous things I still plan on cutting my teeth on. Need to build up a bank account for the rest.

My plan is to proceed with putting the main, (rear), cover on and getting the clutches covered, tank, seat and fenders on. Then move forward and pop those bolts on to the starting pinion sleeve/gear assembly.

It has been about 16 months since this CAT has purred. She has been inside the whole time, so barring some sort of fuel settling I am planning on it starting with marginal effort. That has been the case up to now anyway.

I am keeping the winch off for the time being. Not sure what to do with it. You may recall I did sell my PCU to a fellow in PA who had a disabled D42T military tractor. He did not have a functional PCU.

Happy to hear your thoughts-

bernie