TC 33 D Telescoping steering wheel frozen?

[harrisl]

Just purchased a NH TC33D seat would not adjust front to back (rusted/Frozen) finally got it broke loose with much penetrating oil and hammer with wood blocks. Lock Knob on steering wheel will not loosen tried oil filter wrench with leather filler strap just broke the metal insert loose in knob. Operators Manuel warns against over tightening. Guess someone didn't read. Anyone had experience getting this loosened, stud for retaining nut is flat sided tried adjustable wrench on flats stopped when it tried to slip.

 

[ironpen]

My TC33 did the same thing. I repaired it twice...then gave up. If it's in a usable position my recommendation is to live with it and enjoy an otherwise great little tractor. Just keep that seat sprayed with WD 40 and it will not freeze up again. I bought mine new in '99 and have had no other issues at all. One important hint though. As crazy as it sounds when changing the oil, warm up the engine and drain it out. When putting in the fresh oil wait AT LEAST 30 minutes before you crank it up. The Shibaru engine has a quirk that doesn't happen often, but with immediate cranking apparently there is a small chance you can ruin the top half of the engine because the oil doesn't reach the pan very quickly and a lot of it stays up top. I know you think I am making this up....same thing I thought when I first heard it....but there is a technical bulletin that describes this problem. You probably don't have to wait quite 30 minutes, but that was what I read. Enjoy it. 30 minutes once a year is no big deal!