1956 JD, series 520

DOWRail · Jan 19, 2016

One of the grease joints on the rear of this tractor is jamed with hard grease. This joint is located on the left rear, and is part of the assembly for the 3-point hook up. The grease fitting has been replaced, but with a hand operated gun the pressure is limited. So, nothing is moving pass the seal. I've applied some mineral oil to the outside of the seal, I thought that this might soften the material. The oil is moving into the recess that the seal occupies. However, there hasn't been any change. I've been reluctant to use any solvent. Any suggestions?

ThomasH · Jan 20, 2016

I have found that heat is my friend when dealing with softening old grease. I doubt if a hair dryer or heat gun would make enough heat due to the metal conduction, but a propane torch would do it. I am guessing that 30 seconds wit a propane torch would loosen it, just be careful not to burn the seal. Also, there is a tool that aids in cleaning the zerk fitting itself if it is dried in there. Look for something like: IPA Grease Fitting Cleaner | Hoses, Valves Fittings| Northern Tool + Equipment

Tx Jim · Jan 20, 2016

Ditto on the heat to free hardened grease

DOWRail · Jan 23, 2016

ThomasH said:
I have found that heat is my friend when dealing with softening old grease. I doubt if a hair dryer or heat gun would make enough heat due to the metal conduction, but a propane torch would do it. I am guessing that 30 seconds wit a propane torch would loosen it, just be careful not to burn the seal. Also, there is a tool that aids in cleaning the zerk fitting itself if it is dried in there. Look for something like: IPA Grease Fitting Cleaner | Hoses, Valves Fittings| Northern Tool + Equipment

Thomas, thanks for the the advice. I'm aware of the tool used to clean the zerk, but I did replace the old fitting with a new one.