Pulling a Branson motor

RockyM · Feb 18, 2008

Hello all,

I've lurked here for a while now trying to glean info on my new, used 3510 Branson. Now, however, I need your help. In the middle of plowing snow I threw the rear rod through the side of my block ........ Left a nice hole.

I've followed the sketchy instructions in the manual(s), but the engine won't come out. It is a shuttle shift, and I've removed 6 bolts and 2 nuts around the bellhousing, and 8 bolts on each side of the frame (engine mounts). What am I missing? Do I have to seperate the front frame? Any and all suggestions welcome.

RockyM

GEB · Feb 18, 2008

Sorry Rocky, dont have a clue whats hanging it up?
Do you have a clue as to why it threw a rod?

RockyM · Feb 19, 2008

It just about has to be oil related. I checked the oil level 1-2 days prior and it was in the middle of the acceptable range. After throwing the rod it was still running (smoking like a chimney) allowing me to get it to the shop . After getting it into the shop I checked the level and no oil was on the dipstick. The oil light didn't come on (at least that I noticed) until she was knocking hard enough to get my attention. Was it low on oil? did the oil pump fail? Maybe a combination of the two ..... I just don't know.

I've got a short block coming, along with a new oil pump just in case. I'm thinking of installling a "NAPA" oil gage to make **** sure it doesn't happen again. It's been an expensive lesson.

RockyM

tnaz · Feb 19, 2008

Hope all goes well for ya. That is not good, did by chance Branson help out any. And if you don't mind the question, did you get the short block from Branson?

Good Luck Rocky,
terry

RockyM · Feb 20, 2008

It was a year out of warranty.

As to the short block, I didn't know at the time where my tractor had been originally purchased so I made some desperate calls. One place blew off returning my call for over a week. Nelson Welding (and Branson dealer) out of Lostine Oregon has been helping me, and seems to be sharing my pain. He located the short block (at the branson factory I think) and had them hold it for him. Should be getting shipped tomorrow or the next day at the latest.

RockyM

jgreen · Feb 20, 2008

Hi Folks,

I wanted to add my two cents worth on pulling the engine. If you have everything disconnected you will still need to pull the engine/transmission apart at the same angle (straight apart) to disengage the transmission input shaft from the clutch disc splines. If you have them at a slightly different angle from each other, the transmission input shaft splines will bind on the clutch disc slplines. I don't know if this is what is holding up the separation process on your tractor but it can cause some words to be said that I will not use here.

One more thing, when a connecting rod goes through the side of the block, and the engine still will run, you will lose a lot of oil in a hurry. I am not saying that low oil level did not cause the mishap just wanted to include this in the post FYI. I guess this should be a lesson for all of us to check the oil and other fluid levels a little more often.

Good luck on the engine replacement!

tnaz · Feb 23, 2008

RockyM said:
It was a year out of warranty.

As to the short block, I didn't know at the time where my tractor had been originally purchased so I made some desperate calls. One place blew off returning my call for over a week. Nelson Welding (and Branson dealer) out of Lostine Oregon has been helping me, and seems to be sharing my pain. He located the short block (at the branson factory I think) and had them hold it for him. Should be getting shipped tomorrow or the next day at the latest.

RockyM

Hey Rocky, how is this going so far. Have you any ideas as to why she came a part? Just check in.
Good Luck;
Terry

RockyM · Feb 23, 2008

A Branson mechanic seems to think that it is just hung up on the dowel between the engine and transmission.

Between work and building a new house I just haven't gotten back to it yet. hopefully on Monday.

Thanks for the replies

RockyM

tnaz · Feb 27, 2008

Alright Rocky, how are thing going???

tnaz

montanaman · Feb 28, 2008

Is it a dry fit, or is there sealer between the engine and bellhousing? I know many brands seal that area to keep any dust from getting into the clutch and you can have a heck of a time getting them apart. If there is a catch to hold the clutch down, that will put the pressure of the pressure plate working for you too. If it's sealed of stock on the dowel pins, just make 200% sure you have all of the bolts out and try to gently get it it spread with a gasket scraper and small swinging press. Just work real slow and careful!

Ken