Access plate in tub bottom

[SwampmanLA]

My 422 has a small oil leak on the tram circuit fittings on the bottom of the pump. it is a real pain to work on the underside of the pump from the top so I am thinking of tackling it from the bottom. I am thinking of using a cutoff wheel to cut out an access way in the bottom of the tub directly under the pump. I figure I can lift the hoses and place some wood between the hose and the tub bottom during the cut to prevent hose damage. Once I have an access way I'll weld on a flange to the removed plate and drill and tap the flange and tub bottom to reattach it. As long as I do not damage a hose or remove too much metal I can't see how this would hurt the tractor. Has anyone done this? If so did it work? Was it worth it?

From the Swamp

 

[J_J]

SwampmanLA,

I don't think anyone has cut into the bottom of their tub, you will be the first. Sounds like a good plan. Just make sure their are no gas fumes around, and support the PT good.

 

[BobRip]

Swamp, this might create a drag area on the ground when you are bottomed out. This may not be a problem in your usage. I would also be concerned about weakening the structure, but it looks like what you are doing will correct that. Put lots of bolts to correct this. How big a hole are you talking about?

 

[SwampmanLA]

I'm thinking an 8" square hole with a bolt about every 2" all the way around. I have all the heavy stuff done on my place so I'm not too worried about straining the frame and clearance is not an issue anymore. So once I find some time I think I'll try it cause it is just too hard to work in the tub from the top.

 

[hogi]

I have had this thought myself, I just haven't had the need to do it. I have looked over the tub carefully and it seems overkill in its design, I don't think your modification will weaken it substantially. The tub design just catches dirt and debris, IMO.

 

[BobRip]

I'm thinking an 8" square hole with a bolt about every 2" all the way around. I have all the heavy stuff done on my place so I'm not too worried about straining the frame and clearance is not an issue anymore. So once I find some time I think I'll try it cause it is just too hard to work in the tub from the top.

In my ignorance this sounds good enough. I have been able to unbolt a pump from the engine and this was pretty easy. Would this help you? Mine is an older version with pumps on each end of the motor.

 

[SwampmanLA]

BobRip, my model has all pumps on one side of the Robin. I have to remove the fuel tank, heat shield, solenoid, and many hoses to get to the bottom tram connections. I think this is the fourth time I have to do it (two pumps and two leaks). I have just about convinced myself that I will have to tinker with this tractor steadily so I should make it easier and faster to tinker with.

 

[Marks481]

There ought be at least one hole in the bottom/back of the tub that an adult can stick his hand into.

I can just about squeeze my hand (painfully) through the back ventilation slots, but it starts to become incredibly painful to use a wrench on a bolt. A nice big cutout in front of the engine on the bottom would be a great idea. It would make it easier to change engine filters and drain the oil, etc.

I doubt you would even need to bolt a replacement cover over it for strength; as long as your cutout is circular (so stress doesn't get concentrated in the sharp corners), and doesn't leave a too narrow of a ligament of metal between it and the existing (worthless) cutouts, I would think you would be all good.

Disclaimer: I am not a (real) welder or metalworker, so my opinion is worth what you paid for it.

 

[SwampmanLA]

Thanks Tim, round corners I had not thought about. I'll just drill four holes at the corners and connect them with straight cuts in the tub. BTW, I am going to try to get this done today because I am tired if oil leaking all over and I have some time (the main reason). I'll get some pictures of the finished product and post them, hopefully tonight.

 

[cqaigy2]

I like the sounds of a more rounded hole. Why don't you use a big hole saw?

 

[SwampmanLA]

I like the sounds of a more rounded hole. Why don't you use a big hole saw?

Mainly cause I don't have one and don't have time to find one.

 

[SwampmanLA]

Update: I got a late start yesterday so I did not get the leak fixed but did get the bottom plate cut. I cut a 7" x 7" square directly under the tram pump, roughly 1/3 the width of the 422. What I did was insert a couple of wooden slate between the tub bottom and the hoses touching the bottom of the tub. Then marked out the square and drilled four holes in the corners of the square. I placed a very reluctant wife as fire watch armed with hose and fire extinguisher monitoring the inside of the tub for flame. Then it was off to connecting the dots with a 4.5" grinder and a 1/8" cut off wheel. All went well except for my ability to stay on the line and my wifes understanding of what flame is. Sparks and smoke are not flame!

So I now have a 7" x 7"...ish hole in the tub. I figured that was going to to make it very easy to work on the bottom of the pump. Well I soon found that the hoses routed across this section of the tub are very stiff and move little so the clear path in is still blocked. The next thing I have to do is reroute the hoses. Once that is done I think I'll have it.

 

[BAGTIC]

My 425 has a round hole sized and strategically located to facilitate replacement of the oil filter.