[AT] JD B Problems - An Update

[The Allen Family]

First, I want to thank everyone who has chimed in with advice and ideas to help me with this old B.  I am especially grateful for those who suggested drilling out and rethreading the hole in the clutch disk rather than trying to drill completely new ones.  

I have purchased a new 1/2" tap and matching drill bit, and I am looking for a good, heavy-duty puller, as the one I have won't accommodate the bigger cap screw. 

Thinking about Dean's question about whether the disk moved at all, I find I am not sure.  It felt like it, but I have come to realize that the disk was never flush with the end of the crank, and that feeling may have simply been the puller starting to slip.  I will not be able to assess the condition of the splines till I have it off.  I have done this before on this tractor, but it was never so hard before.  I have seen beat up splines and crank ends, but I don't *remember* them being beat up on this one.  Still, I think Dean is onto something. 

I have been hitting the thing with penetrant at least once/day since.  Now I am thinking about application of heat before/during the pull.  That disk is a pretty good chunk of cast iron.  I don't know whether my plumber's torch will do it (though I do have some of the extra hot gas).  I had been worried about buggering up the disk by trying to use the acetylene torch, but, since the disk is broken, that's no big deal.  Bill suggested I have the disk repaired--and I still might if I can get it off without more breakage--but getting it off is the first step.  I have found a replacement for $75 if I need it.  I am still worried about the big torch and the end of the crankshaft, however.  I have not used a big torch just to heat parts up, so, if anyone has advice, I'd be glad to hear it. 

THE WAX TRICK:  I have used that on bolts with great success, but I don't know it would be applicable here. . . . 

I haven't done much more with the tranny yet, figuring one step at a time on this part of the project.  I have been hitting everything in sight with penetrant, however, just as a prelude. 

In any case, thanks for all the help so far and any to come. 

The "original" Steve Allen
Fighting with a B near Rolla, MO