JD 4020 Lost 1/2” wrench in rear housing

[CTW71]

Ok……you can all tell me what a clown I am….i def feel like one…..was redoing transmission pump using 1/2” wrench on those bolts and it just flew out of my hand w all the oil involved and now it’s in bottom of housing. I’ve tried magnets (several) broken one off in there but finally retrieved it. Tried the flexible claw tool…too oily so won’t maintain grip. I do not think it’s coming out w/out pulling out rear diff. How bad is it if I just let that little wrench ride in there?? It seems maybe worst that can happen is it gets lodged and breaks rear pto gears??? That doesn’t seem likely as the weight of wrench should keep it on bottom of housing? Anyone else been this stupid or have any magic tricks?? Thanks in advance!!

 

[rockcreek4630]

Ok……you can all tell me what a clown I am….i def feel like one…..was redoing transmission pump using 1/2” wrench on those bolts and it just flew out of my hand w all the oil involved and now it’s in bottom of housing. I’ve tried magnets (several) broken one off in there but finally retrieved it. Tried the flexible claw tool…too oily so won’t maintain grip. I do not think it’s coming out w/out pulling out rear diff. How bad is it if I just let that little wrench ride in there?? It seems maybe worst that can happen is it gets lodged and breaks rear pto gears??? That doesn’t seem likely as the weight of wrench should keep it on bottom of housing? Anyone else been this stupid or have any magic tricks?? Thanks in advance!!

Did you pull the sump screen and try from there.

 

[tim s]

It's in under the load shaft...don't ask me how I know that.....

 

[Tom in Mo.]

Trouble with the magnet is it sticks to everything.

 

[Tx Jim]

It's in under the load shaft...don't ask me how I know that.....

Sounds as if L/D shaft needs to be removed & drawbar support lowered for easier access to the AWOL wrench.

 

[tim s]

Yes,, Jim has the right idea,,a magnet won't bring it out from under the load shaft,,

 

[buickanddeere]

When was the last time the load shaft seals were replaced ?

 

[Hayfarmer]

When was the last time the load shaft seals were replaced ?

Back in the early 70s I worked at the JD dealer here. I remember taking a 1/2 wrench out of the rear end of a 4010. It wasn't the problem with the tractor though. It had other rear end issues.