We did it, did not want to, but we did it.

We cut the ROP off my D42T today. The buger was welded to the finders instead of being bolted on. I hated to cut into her. By the time I am done I know I will be replacing the finders. I already plan on replacing the dash due to the fine surgical cutting done on her for the starting motor on the starting engine. I do have to admit I am happy as a clam starting the starting engine with my pull rope.

In a previous post I described, (poorly), my steering clutch failure. Being hardly manueverable, I could not stand her being out this time of year, and the only place to put her undercover was the lean-to section of the old barn. Rafters are too low to let her pass with the ROP, so something had to give. Started lifting the rafters to shore up with a 4 by 6, but worked out not to be senseable.

No extra room for me under the ROP anyway, and since I see a steering clutches and brakes overhaul in my near future, I decided the ROP was going to be in the way regardless.

I hate to think of the expense associated with the steering clutch and brake overhauls. At the same time I am looking forward to getting in there and cleaning them up.


For future reference, while it was not filled to the hilt, I do think the steering clutch compartments hold about 20 gallons when the tractor is level.

REWARDS:
I did see under one corner of the ROP a nice section of what appeared to be original military green. I plan on putting the ROP back on eventually, but I will add a few more inches to the height. It is actually somewhat comforting having that protection overhead.

I began draining the 15 gallons of diesel I have had in the steering clutch compartment. I have resolved that the release bearings, springs, etc. will not free up. I could not believe the amount of crud that came out! I drained them when I got her home originally, but that diesel really knocked a bunch more out. I should have done it then and thought about it, but decided against it because of the brake linings and I was not sure exactly if the steering clutch compartment and the flywheel clutch compartment had connecting open ports...

passing on info-sharing my day.
bernie

Bernie, I remember your previous post. Thanks for letting us know of your progress. I would have thought that the diesel fuel would have freed up those parts in the steering clutch compartment. GWH

bernie
I have two steering clutches for D4 if you need them.Let me know when you get ready to do it.

Jeff-Good to know, thanks!-this will be my first rebuild so if you can give me an idea via parts book what exactly you have. My machine is a D42T 9069 SP. I have the parts book so I can follow with it.

GWH-Thanks for following...you did better than I did once I read through my ramblings. I must have a dislodged or broken spring...the clutches need overhauled anyway and by looking at the crud in the compartment via the drains, best to bite the bullet now and not be tempted by a temporary ressurection.

thanks to all and Happy New Year!
bernie

Bernie, sounds like you are comittted to doing it right. It is a bit of a job, but not terribly expensive if you do some shopping. I'd add a few links but somehow my bookmakrs have diappeared? It will last you for many many years if done right. Don

Thanks Don- I am certainly looking at it that way. I have some horsepower I can pull together if I need to. Gives a guy some confidence if you know what I mean.

Time will tell for the whole sha-bang!

Best to you and yours for the New Year!
bernie