removing reluctant "head cap" (gland nut?)

[Alan W.]

The spanner wrenches they had at the shop I worked for were made by Williams.
Dont know if that company is still in business.
If all else fails do what we did, get a big pipe wrench.

 

[joea99]

Yeah, those spanner wrenches Alan posted are the correct tools, but they don't always work for me. I think I only have 2 sizes, if I can find them.

If I were in the business, I would definitely have a set. But if I can improvise and not have to buy a special tool, I prefer that. It has been years since I had a B21 and a B20. Neither gave me much trouble getting the cylinders apart.

Now the Special Tool to get the rod seal inside the gland: THAT one I bought.

Yeah, it is MUCH easier to use the right tool for those "inside" seals. I got a set with three sizes. Doubt I will ever use the "Big One". But it made it almost a joy.

Now, the piston seal with the o-ring "tension spring" is another matter. With some assistance created some FreeCAD versions of the Kubota installation jigs (specs in FSM), along with a "pusher" to help get the seal over the jig. Finger joints are just not up to it these days. Used those FreeCAD files to 3D print the jigs. Since they are plastic instead of steel, they don't last all that long, but, for me it works. And I can always print more.
Since I have "hobbist" printers they require some sanding down, but, I don't struggle as much and have not, so far, not ruined any seals. Kubota also specs a "resizing" tool for those seals but did not feel good about using those. In steel, maybe. So, tape, cut up aluminum cans and worm gear hose clamps seem to work good enough.

 

[joea99]

I like the idea of a semi precision fit pin (cut off drill bit) in hole of gland nut, and would be tempted to use a wrench like below with "jaw" teeth against the pin and try not to scar up gland nut as little as possible, besides it's about the only wrench I have that would possible work other than big pipe wrench.. And the floor jack handle makes really good cheater (4 foot long) ..... Might file "notch" a little deeper to get good bite on "pin".... Plus the wrench may have other uses around the property....


View attachment 880911

Bigger heavier duty version....

https://www.amazon.com/AUPREX-Wrench-Adjustable-Diameter-Installation/dp/B0B6CBYC4F?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=AJEO22M0WN8BD&th=1

Tried it, but I only had a Vise-grip verion of that and could not get a good grip on it with a cheater bar.

So, pipe wrench it was.