Recent content by Snark

Thanks for the input and the pix. I know modern plastics can be used in lieu of lubricants and that's likely what is in the tie rod ends. Considering the lack of lubrication that typically occurs I can understand the tendency to provide materials that reduce maintenance, especially in areas...

I purchased a replacement center steering link for my antique L245. The original is frozen and I want to extend the front end for better stability on steep slopes. There are no zerk fittings on either end, nor on the replacement tie rod end for the drag link. While I'm aware of lubeless...

Doesn't surprise me. The one belt on my L245 carries only the water pump and alternator. With the alternator pressed against the block it still requires prying with a screwdriver to force the belt over the pulley. Not good for the belt, but the only way to do it.

How did the O'Reilly's Kubota orange paint work out? With the different colors from Big Orange being somewhat questionable for old tractors especially considering their cost, I would rather try a locally available substitute.

Right now it's up on jacks, both axles and king pins have been removed, repacked and reinstalled. Went completely through the injector pump and top end. Injectors were fine (amazingly!) New steering center link is sitting under the front end, going to repaint the wheels before remounting. I...

Thanks for your update. I agree, a few dollars spent on quality lubricants will save many times their costs in repairs. I suspect that today's Rotella is quite superior to lubes designed in 1977. With less than 450 hours now, I suspect that someone will someday get a very nice antique L245...

A full mowing session takes me 3.5-4 hours. Right now with heat and drought I might do 70% to not overstress. I resharpen every 3-4 sessions using a side grinder and file. I'll try the flat edge method and compare.

Sorry for the delay, we've been traveling. Actually, not on the Pamlico, but not far from it. But not 40 miles from the nearest store, just a well supplied tractor store. My tractor has the old blue/grey. I have a new steering link. It is the same color as most of Battleship North Carolina...

Thank you for that clarification. Since I've never been inside of a tractor gearbox I hadn't realized the difference. Hypoid drives have a different shear requirement for the lube. I guess I'll be changing it out sooner than later.

Did you find a powder coating powder that would match or just go with a generic black, grey or silver? I've been powder coating bullets for years and have been considering doing some fasteners and other small parts. I could also hot blue which might look pretty cool against the orange and...

The oil that is currently in it is a GL5, listed for tractors as well as limited slip/posi torque wet clutches. It's not Shell. Though I now live in farming country, it's 40 miles to a tractor store that carries a serious inventory. I'll run this for a few hours and switch over. Big Orange...

Thanks again.

I'm reinforceing (encapsulating) the fenders with epoxy resin and fiberglass. I don't have a mig welder nor a brake and english wheel. Much of the metal was so far gone that it would have been a duplication job rather than restoration. I've done auto refinishing decades before, but nothing that...

Thanks for the info. I certainly appreciate "new and improved", but only when it is truely compatible with "old and unimproved" quipment. Lubricants and fuels are the top of that list for me.

It's 80-90. You're right, straight weights are very rare.