Hello All and Help with Ford 2120

[simonmaritime]

Good evening everyone, my name is Simon and I thought id better say hi.
I am a small plant engineer based in Scotland's beautiful west coast. It's raining again!
I get asked to help with the local farmers' tractors and other agricultural kit from time to time. I am hoping this might be a handy forum for tips and hints...
Currently working on a Ford 2120 small tractor. I need to replace the offside rear axle oil seal. The problem I have is in removing the axle housing from the main housing. The machine is in generally good condition and nothing has broken so far. I have an I&T shop service manual (FO-46). I have followed the instructions as detailed in paragraph 141. This machine has a cab, so I cannot remove the ROPS frame except to remove the Large nut connecting it to the axle bracket. I have drained the oil and removed wheel, all brake attachments and housing bolts. I have slackened the two nuts on the studs at the top of the housing, but left them in place to stop the axle housing from flying away. The manual says "remove the retaining cap screws (done) and move axle housing away from tractor" this is where I am stuck as the housing does not want to budge. There do not appear to be any jacking screws etc. I don't want to resort to the sledge hammer just yet but I'm getting close! Can anybody help?
All the best, Simon.

 

[Loadstar]

Have you tried gently tapping small chisel or screwdriver in multiple spots to "break the seal"?

 

[simonmaritime]

Hi Loadstar,
Yep, tried that, no good. It doesn't look like it has been apart before - the original paint is still across the joint. Looks like I might have to devise a jacking method.

 

[Loadstar]

Could you get any to stay? If so penetrating oil there. Did you get any spread at all and it closed right back up?

 

[simonmaritime]

No, couldn't get anything to move at all. I think I'll have another go with something sharper just to get a start. I'll let you know...

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[simonmaritime]

Got it!!
Seems tapping with small chisel (Loadstar) should be read as slug with large sharp chisel. Movement started to show immediately and leg came off easily. Happy days .
Thanks.

 

[Loadstar]

Well we all have different levels of tap glad to hear you got it.

 

[simonmaritime]

I don't think there is much wrong with my tap - just my quads could do with a little work!