Tryong to split track on 450

[Mariner]

Hi Guys,

I am finally starting work on the steering clutch that has been not working for over two years. I have had a couple of attempts at it, but for one reason or another I gave up on it.

I now have my machine sitting on axles stands (4 x 6tons each) so the tracks, when tightened are well clear of the concrete floor (board removed for now).

I have previously tried to get the master pin out using heat, but it didn't work. Yesterday I slackened off the screw on the track tensioner and have bled out all the grease I can - the front wheel moves back just about two and half inches. I had hoped to be able to get the track to slip over the rear sprocket and then proceed from there, to remove sprocket, cover and intermediate shaft. That idea has been tried but I couldn't get the track over the rear sprocket - what would be the minimum slack to do that trick?

I guess I must now go back and try the proper method of seperating the track at the masterlink - using heat and a tool holder for the punch. Maybe I can get lucky this time.

Unfortunately the master link is the opposite to where oit should be at the rear of the machine. The hyd.tank- fuel tank combo is off the machine - I cannot run the engine to move the track as no hydraulics (cook pump- clutch rusted in engaged position)). Can the track be pulled around using a set of chain falls - pulling the length of the track , maybe 6 ft? Would the starter be strong enough to move the tracks - machine off the ground?

I am trying not to have to re-install the fuel/hyd tanks again as I working on my own and would like to keep the work as little involved as possible.

If any of you guys have some ideas I would appreciate hearing them. I need to get this machine up and running properly, by the end of the month. Cost is a big factor (retired) and I am having watch everything I spend these days

Thanks in advance

mariiner

[KenP]

deleted

[digitup2]

Some tracks will just fall apart while others need all the heat, pounding and vocabulary you got .Get it good and hot and pound it out with a track pin driver.you can make one from 1 1/8 hard rod 5 feet long cut it at the 18 inch point and weld real well on 90 degree angle at the 6 inch one way 12inch the other you now have a pin driver.Install a good rubber handle on the long end and you can now find some one crazy enough to hold it while you pound the pins out of the tracks nothin to it.Other contractors borrow my driver all the time and are asked nicely to use it to make there own .We put the pin down on the tracks still in the sprocket for stability and heat the pin now set a couple of short two by fours under the driver stand on the handle and you can do it your self if you are careful foot on the handle and the sledge in hand drive it right on the shop floor this usually works good .Digitup.

[mikeintn]

I dont know if a 350 is different but I have just taken 2 sets off, and after I let the grease out, with it jack up I started at the front with a couple of bars and some wedges and it came off the front ok, yours maybe different good luck.

[Garry]

Just finished my clutches and putting the mach back together. just have to hook up hoses and some misc. When you split your track find the master link, it looks and has markings on it, mine had round grooves in it. move your track so the master is at the back of the mach, about half way up the sprocket. If you already have every thing disconected remove the clutch housing cover. Unhook the linkage to the lever that releases the throw out bearing. Use a large adjustable wrench and cheater bar to release the throw out bearing. at this point you can rotate the pressure plate with a lever to move your track to put your pin in the needed location.Remove two of your track shoes to get to the master pin. Heat only the outer ends of the track chain around the pin. get them good and hot your pin should then come out. I made a holder for a one inch bar so I could really wack it good. Comes out easier than it sounds, but if you take the time to do it this way you will spend less than an hour to get the track apart. Hope this helps, Good Luck Garry

[Mariner]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the comments - just what I was after. After two previous goes of not getting anywhere, I am determined to get'er this time around.
Will let you all know how I makes out in a day or two - in the meantime, please keep the help coming.

Thx

mariner

[Garry]

Make sure your track is off the ground. Put a hyd. jack under the grouser bar and jack up. The track will rotate. Slow but it works.

[Mariner]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your suggestions - they have helped me along. Not having oxy-acteylene meant I had to rent a set for a week and it that has helped.

Split one track today and the pin was a bugger to get out. I used 1 1/4" dia steel round bar as the driver and a track pin drive tool I made. Once I got the links really hot (bright red) and installed the driving tool, it went pretty good. Took about three go's as the pin came out in stages - the last sent it across the workshop floor. Hope to get the other one done tomorrow - all being well.

When the master pin goes back in I take it that it should be a fairly tight fit - well cleaned up (filed as needed) and use some neverseize. The old snap rings are the type that have a sloped end (no holes for pliers) and hard to remove. Does it matter what type of snap ring is used providing it is the right size ?

I certainly feel much more comfortable with at least one track seperated - hopefully both by tomorrow. If the second one is seperated I will do both clutches while I am this far into the work. I have discs and bearing for one side and one brake band relined. Will see what the other side requires other than discs and bearing.

Thanks again for your help - I am slow but I gets there in the end.

Thanks

mariner

[mini kahuna]

sounds like you have the proper tools and things are working good for you,I also think your smart for doing both sides at the same time,I can't believe how many people tear down a machine to do a bad steering clutch and don't even consider doing the other side.