Can't loosen sprocket bolts on T-180

[john146]

As advised by many, I'm changing the gear oil on my new-to-me T180 with 1500hrs. I removed the tracks but can't get the 28mm sprocket bolts to budge. I even went out and bought a Milwaukee 1/2" torque wrench but it still wouldn't budge. What gives? Do I need to blowtorch it? keep going at it? I only have a pancake compressor and no air wrench.

 

[Vetech63]

1” drive breaker bar with a 6’ cheater pipe........and I’m not talking about a breaker bar from Harbor Freight.

 

[KSSS]

Well you can likely be assured that you are first person since someone in North Dakota filled it when it came off the line. I would put some heat on it and see if it will break loose.

 

[john146]

vetech, yep, that did it. Actually, 5' cheater with a 1/2" drive worked for me. Man, this is the most difficult bolt I've ever had. It smells bad, too. What is the thread/diameter of the three bolts I need to actually push it out?

 

[john146]

well, I got the sprocket off... now there's another issue. It appears the hex plug is stripped/corroded.... ffs

 

[Bls repair]

How stripped is it . Try heat ,wacking it with a hammer.

 

[john146]

Stripped pretty badly. I tried heating it with propane, nothing. It seems that applying any kind of impact force leads to it stripping further. I'm at the point where there's very little of the bolt body. I might need to weld it, but only have a stick welder...

 

[Bls repair]

What size is the plug (approximately),is it sticking out,even,or recessed in housing. Photo would help.

 

[john146]

I'm thinking the plug size is about 3/8" in diameter, it's flush with the housing. The hole is the result of all my failed attempts to hammer a flathead, torx, bigger allen etc. in there. I don't know where the actual bolt ends, but it looks like there's only 1/16" remaining before I hit the threads.

 

[Bls repair]

How are your welding skills ? Watch some you tube videos on how to remove broken bolts with welding to get an idea what to do . You could drill all the way through plug the size of the hole you have now and try to chisel it out or try an easy out

 

[john146]

I've only done stick welding and I can get it done, but this is too small. I tend to have a steady hand, though. I need to buy a MIG or TIG welder

 

[Welder Dave]

They make special bits for removing stripped allen head bolts but have heard of people driving a torx bit in worn hex plugs to get them out.

 

[Ronsii]

If all that fails then drill it out...CAREFULLY!!! keep things centered and drill upsize untill you start getting into the threads then CAREFULY use an easyout or similar, by the time you have most of the plug drilled it should start to come out... btw: use left hand drills if you can.

 

[hosspuller]

With a small size like that... Weld a 5/16 nut to it... Plug weld style. The heat will help break it loose.

 

[Ronsii]

If you do mess up the hole it's not that hard to drill it up and tap to the next size plug.

 

[KSSS]

What was BC thinking. That is a truly sh!!ty design.

 

[hosspuller]

I didn't notice the plug was in a recess … Forget welding a nut Maybe a bolt. Even offset, heat and torque may get the job done.

 

[john146]

If only I knew how deep the plug is, I would know when to stop drilling. btw, I need to do all this for the bolt on the bottom as well.

 

[john146]

What if I just disassemble the entire motor housing? Or should I just run it as-is? I don't want it to spontaneously fail on me because of these allen keys...

 

[Ronsii]

I would just drill clear through it... Just be careful you don't push through too far