420 track tension bolt

[snickers]

i have a broken track tension bolt on my 420c, any suggestions on removal? is the spring going to take off flying when i pop the track off?

[Paul Buhler]

I'd bind things up, meaning use a come-along or chain and binder to hold anything that you were concerned would move too quickly. You can loop the front idler back to something solid. I'd put the master pin over the front idler as recommended and use a long drift through a 2x4 or 4x4 to remove it. The drift will take up some of the strain and give you an idea of how much tension remains. Wiggle out the drift carefully and you shouldn't have a problem. Hope this helps. Paul

[Lavoy]

Loosen up the adjusting nut as far as you can, really shouldn't be much tension left by the time you do this. If it works, no need to split the track, just unbolt the bracket on the idler and pull the pieces out sideways.
Lavoy

[jd40b]

thats what i was thinking just impact the two bolts out of the track idler and dependin where its broken just cut the bolt by the brace on the other end

[Paul Buhler]

That's what's great about this board - shared experiences and thoughts. I assumed that a broken bolt meant no adjustment to slacken the track - Plan "B" and "C" sound good. Paul

[snickers]

Paul you are so right! i have only been a member for a couple of days and have already picked up so much information, i can see that this is going to be extremely helpful in the near future, i am really just getting started on my 420, i bought it as a partial basket case (the motor, all sheet metal, were removed and disassembled when i got it. i have just completed the top end and short-block for the engine need to pull the chassis in the shop to start disassembling it to get to the steering clutches and seals... lots of fun ahead!!!

Thanks
Snickers