Tractor greasing day - issue with zerks

[gstrom99]

These guys have any zerk fitting you could need. I've used them lots...

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[beowulf]

Thanks for all for posting. Responding to your information:

-I have a collection of zerks - and did take one off from another site on the FEL to confirm the size of the missing one (and it also matches the size of the one that fell out), so fairly certain I know the size - unless the FEL used different sized zerks in different places.

-My problem is that on the one that fell out, the threads in the hole appear to no longer work to hold the zerk in, they catch slightly but not enough to remain useful. And the hole where the one is missing is even looser - I cannot see down in there to even see if it has threads - it is down inside one of the arms. I can only shine a light straight in and not an an angle that would let me see the threads - or even if there are threads.

-there is no welding anywhere near either zerk - I have been the only owner of the tractor. On the pictures, the missing zerk is down small hole in the middle of the picture.

Sberry, I may do what you say - as I have never taken the pins out of the FEL I was a bit apprehensive about what kind of a jam I might make for myself once I start dismantling that. But as you have explained it it seems doable and that would let me use a tap to rethread it - just need to make sure I have zerks to match the new threads. I can also clean everything out. It may remain a challenge -or impossible - to rethread the holes given where they are located - I will assess that before I take it apart.

What I may need in the circumstances is information about the pound in zerks or other options where the holes are compromised. -I will be in town today so may stop by the dealer to ask a few question and pick up some more zerks if necessary.

 

[Smokeydog]

Most, all? Kubota grease zerks are British thread. Kubota dealer can sell you the correct replacement zerk but unlikely tell you the thread size. Dealer prices are not too bad just inconvenient.

Have large assortment set of SAE zerks. Works good for older equipment. 46 grease zerks on my 65 Dodge power wagon.

Ordered metric assortment from McMaster for the Kubotas. None fit.

British assortment set are very expensive. Did find a package of 4 at TSC.

What I’ve done is get a couple spare zerks in two sizes from the dealer to have on hand for the loader backhoes. Kept in a pill bottle with all the grease maintenance parts and tools drawer.

Really need to use the thread guide and post the thread sizes on my tractors. Wintertime project.

 

[Captain Dirty]

. . . Are there ways to cut new threads that would not dead-end before the cutting starts? . . .

"Bottoming" taps, i.e. taps that thread (almost) to the bottom of a blind hole, are often difficult to find but can be made by grinding (patiently, so as not to destroy the temper) the tip off a plug tap.

 

[Gregster613]

Smokeydog, Will you please post a link or tell us where you found/got that particular thread identifier?
I looked on amazon and they have a lock-n-lube one.....but very expensive and does not look exactly like yours. I did not try a GF&D search though. I'd like to have one of those in my toolbox. Probably not get used often, but when needed would be extremely handy.
Thanks Greg

Never mind...I googled GF&D and there it is! I've got to remember to google first I guess!

 

[ruffdog]

Thread identifier:

Zoro Select Gfti Grease Fitting Thread Tester,Type Gage | eBay

 

[ruffdog]

When looking for BSF grease zerks......they call them nipples.

 

[Smokeydog]

When looking for BSF grease zerks......they call the nipples.

Good dog!

Zoro often offers 20% promos, free shipping, and farm tax exemption.

 

[rScotty]

View attachment 719364

Most, all? Kubota grease zerks are British thread. Kubota dealer can sell you the correct replacement zerk but unlikely tell you the thread size. Dealer prices are not too bad just inconvenient.

Have large assortment set of SAE zerks. Works good for older equipment. 46 grease zerks on my 65 Dodge power wagon.

Ordered metric assortment from McMaster for the Kubotas. None fit.

British assortment set are very expensive. Did find a package of 4 at TSC.

What I’ve done is get a couple spare zerks in two sizes from the dealer to have on hand for the loader backhoes. Kept in a pill bottle with all the grease maintenance parts and tools drawer.

Really need to use the thread guide and post the thread sizes on my tractors. Wintertime project.

I bought myself a zerk gauge just like the one pictured after smokeydog posted on another grease thread. Very nifty thread gauge, so I got one for my tractor buddy as well. Hard-anodized aluminum.

So far neither one of us have found a use for it....but I'm hoping.

I agree with smokeydog that the key to having the right zerk on hand is to be systematic and orderly. So I keep all the zerks and zerk tools in a 5 gallon grease cartridge pail where they can gently sink into the ooze at the bottom. Safe and secure & I know where they are....or rather, where they must be......

BTW, grease is traditionally a heavy oil mixed in with one of the three or four types of natural clay and some additives. The problem with grease compatibility (grease hardening) has to do mostly with mixing additives & types of clay, so using synthetic oil doesn't help with that.
rScotty

 

[bigtiller]

I'll be darned, we found something Amazon doesn't sell. That doesn't happen very often.