OLD PROBLEM

[DOVER]

I have seen a number of posts in this forum concerning broken
bolts that attach the belly mower frame to the transmission housing
on a TC18. I have had this happen three times and I now have
only two good holes to attach the mower. My solution is to replace
the transmission housing. Before I do this I thought I might see
if any of you have tried this yourself. I am going to the dealer to price
the parts today. Looking at the job, it doesn't seem like anything I can't
handle, but your opinions won't hurt.

[rdbrumfield]

Before I replaced the housing, I think I would drill out the hole and put a helicoil in them. Is a simple fix and not that hard to do.
I had to do that to my dozer tranny and it has held together just fine.

[sandman2234]

I don't know what that housing costs, or how much work it will take to replace it, but I would seriously consider a local machine shop before I paid for a housing, if I wasn't comfortable at repairing the broken parts myself.
David from jax

[DOVER]

Just found out housing is $808.00 Local welding shop quoted "about 200
bucks", and I don't have to take it apart. Not a difficult decision.

[dodge man]

Yeah, I agree, helicoil. Unless you have used one, it sounds difficult, but they come as a kit, you slightly oversize the original hole by drilling it out, then tap the hole, and screw in a new set of threads that are stainless steel and very durable. The kit comes with everything you need, drill bit, tap, several sets of new threads. Last one I bought, the entire kit was around $60.

[nunyabinis]

If the only problem is the bolts are broken off in the holes, you should be able to remove the broken bolts rather simply with bolt removal tools you can buy at your local auto parts store. If the hole threads are screwed up however, THEN you'll need to drill and tap and install bigger bolts or a helicoil that will allow you to install the same size bolt in the bigger drilled-out hole.


The Art of Extraction



Unfortunately, I've had to remove my share of broken bolts.




.

[sandman2234]

Just found out housing is $808.00 Local welding shop quoted "about 200
bucks", and I don't have to take it apart. Not a difficult decision.

Hmmmm, maybe the welding shop is my guess?
David from jax