440 track adjuster problem

[jeff Kemp]

Hey guys I have a problem and looking for some help.

I have a 1960 440 IC. I slung a track today working her on some fill dirt. I can't seem to get the track adjuster to go back. I have the kind of track adjuster that you pump full of grease. I took out that threaded bolt, loosened the adjusting sleeve by turning it with a pipe wrench. I even made the four bolts holding the front idler loose. I can hit that front idler with a hammer and it will slide side to side a little on the track rails.


I changed the finals out on the other side last year and when I took the track off, all I did was loosen that bolt and the grease came out a small hole on the bottom. I tried hitting it with a hammer, put a come along from the rear sprocket to the front idler wheel, set the machine on the tracks and pulled the top with my loader tractor but no dice.

Anyone have any suggestions on getting that adjuster to move? I thought about applying some heat but I figure there must be a seal in there and I didn't want to break anything. Prior to slinging the track the track was good and tight and had no leaks in that adjuster.

thx

Jeff

[CELSESSER]

Jeff,
On the hydraulic track adjuster there is a 5/8 inch bolt next to the button head grease fitting that you use to lengthen the adjuster. Take that bolt out and under the bolt there is a set screw that holds a steel ball against the releaf hole. Back the set screw out a couple of turns and then put some pressure on the idler to squeese it back. Grease should come out the hole on the bottom as you do this and the adjuster should shorten. If not take the set screw all the way out and put a little pressure on the idler wheel to push the steel ball out. Don't lose the ball! If it still does not shorten then the piston is frozen in the tube and you will probably have to take it off and heat, beat and cuss at it to get it loose and then clean it up and replace the seals on the piston and reassemble.
I hope that it is just that you have not losened the set screw that lets the ball unseal the hole.

Chuck

[jeff Kemp]

Thanks a lot I found it got her back on line again.