Top cover removal

[Baretone]

I've got a '52 8n with a crack in the casting where the big spring attaches for the rocker/toplink .It has been welded at some point in the (before me) past but needs to be re-done I'm not sure if it can be done on the tractor... there's a lot of oil right under there.... or if it needs to be removed
I have never been around when a top cover has been removed I guess my question is how difficult is it to remove/replace the cover and can a guy with five thumbs manage it??
The Baretone

 

[wwildhorse2k]

Hi Baretone,

The top cover on the 8N is really easy. remove the seat, the pins in the lift arms ,and the peripheral bolts and it lifts off but it is HEAVY. send some pics of the crack. Bear in mine that the plunger for the draft spring is not air tight and is " sealed " with a felt seal. Also the top cover is cast iron and the axle housing is too so you will have to deal with that.

be sure to get the IF04 manual and it will tell you what you need --gaskets and procedures

HTH

-- Mark

 

[KenInGA]

It's not complicated. The main thing is once you get everything unbolted and the linkage disconnected inside the sump, chances are the top cover gasket is going to act like glue and not want to let go. You'll have to use some leverage to get it going.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Before you start, it would be a wise move to get a jig from Zane Sherman to adjust the internal linkage. (in the picture) It comes w/ a cam follower pin that you will probably need to replace. And, make a couple of “guide studs” by cutting the heads off of two 7/16-14 x 3 5/8” bolts to make installation easier..

You should also check & see if the lift cylinder needs to be replaced or repaired.


The lift cover weighs nearly 100 lbs with the upper lift arms attached, & is very hard to maneuver. An engine hoist is an excellent idea. Remove the seat and spring, disconnect the upper lift arms at the knuckles. Remove the 14 bolts that hold the cover to the housing. (note that there are three different lengths) DO NOT remove the four nuts under the seat! Remove the right side inspection cover so you can remove the control rod tip from the pump intake valve. Lift the back of the cover straight up and slide a piece of wood under the cover to keep the tip of the control rod out of the rocker shaft. Once you are sure the control rod is out of the rocker shaft, you can then remove the cover.

50 Tips

 

[Baretone]

Thanks Bruce(VA)
The picture sure eases some of my uneasyness, will give it a go soon ! !
Baretone

 

[Baretone]

Thanks KeninGA
You guys are the greatest! !
Baretone

 

[Baretone]

Thanks wwildhorse2k.
I'll try to get a picture asap.
Baretone

 

[Plane Bart]

Baretone from experiance and so you don't have to do things twice take pictures as you dissassemble, make a note where the spring attaches to the pump housing and which direction the levers arms go.
Dunk had to send me a picture to get mine back right, but my spring fell off on removal because I did not use a engine hoist.

 

[Baretone]

Thanks Plane Bart,Looks like a motor hoist is required equipment.....don't think the little lady could lift that thing off of a squished finger.The picture thing sounds like a practical way to cure some "Senior Moments"
Baretone

 

[lha]

Cast steel or cast iron is weldable, I have done it many times.The lift arm that comes out of the lift cover on my 9n was broken more than 1/2 way through.I cut a v shape in it and welded 4 beads, and it is still working after 6-7 yrs,and is lifting lots of wt.Your problem can easily be fixed by a good welder with nickle rod and a slow,1 inch at a time approach. It will work,but many welders don't want to mess with it,so they will tell you that it can't be done.---lha

 

[Ramon]

Darn! That jig is really nice. I sure know that it would have come in handy a lot of times in the past. I can see that if you are trying to make a living on these as I one did, that would be the ticket.