S&S of oil seal leak - '57 I-H Cub tractor

[Jim Kr]

I was using the tractor today. I stopped to clear some brush from the sickle mower and noticed oil dripping from the bell housing-engine joint. I took it back to the garage and the oil level had dropped to just touching the dipstick.

Would this be the oil seal, or is there something else in there that would cause this?

Anyone ever split a tractor?

Thanks,

[Hengy]

Sounds like the rear seal is leaking. There are lots of folks here who have split their tractors in the past. First and foremost is to put wedges between the ears of the front cultivator mount and the front axle to keep the engine from flopping to one side or the other when split. Without those, the front end will fall to the ground. You'll need a way to support both halves of the tractor (engine and torque tube). Search the forum a bit to see others methods of doing this.

One thing to consider is that you will need a remanufactured retainer to fit a new seal since the original OD seal is NLA. ID isn't a problem, but OD is not available. There are members of the forum who will rework your seal retainer and provide a good new seal for the rear of the crank.

While you are in there, it is a good time to check the throwout bearing, clutch and pressure plate as well. At a minimum, adjust your clutch fingers to the prescribed height and make sure that they are all equal...

Good luck and feel free to post lots of questions here!!

Mike

[Jim Kr]

Thanks for the speedy reply, Mike -

Any and all suggestions are welcome. I figured there were some "might as wells" to check while I was in there. I'll be looking for a seal retainer refit. Also, I can see where proper support of the halves is important. It may be a "cute little tractor," but it is a substantial piece of iron!
Stay tuned for the obligatory "dumb questions."

[Hengy]

Wish I lived closer to you. I'd love to help with the split. They are fun when you have company and assistance. It takes some "moving and shaking" to get them together when you are by yourself.

[Peter Person]

Jim,
We did the rear seal on my '57 last fall at Cecil's CubFest Northeast. Not a bad job with a lot of hands.
We split the tractor to figure out how to adjust the Auburn Clutch that I had, decided to replace it...and while the hood was off...replace the rear main seal that was leaking.
Tim (tst) re-machines the retainer and inserts the correct seal. You can contact him via PM (Private Message) through the forum.
Here is a link to a "How to" on chocking the front axle so you don't flip the tractor over. http://farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=18081&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=front+end+wedge

I'm not aware of a video showing a tractor split to replace the rear seal. If the front seal has not been done, you may want to take care of it at the same time.

Not sure who else on the forum is close to you that could jump in and lend you a hand. Check out the Member Map above.

Peter

[Jim Kr]

Thanks for the fast replys and good information! Of course you'd all be welcome to help. I do have a neighbor that works on these things, so I'll have to hire him to teach me what he knows. My mechanical experience is limited to MG's of which the Cub is the agricultural equivalent.

This turn around on the seal retainer sounds like it won't be a one day fix. I'll have to clear some space in the garage.

[bythepond88]

Welcome to the club. Always good to greet another worshiper at the altar of MOWOG and battler of Lucas, the Prince of Darkness.

[ScottyD'sdad]

could be an overfilled tranny,leaking from the front seal. If it is the engine seal, Tim, (TST,on the forum remanufactures them) Ed