Feedback--Splitting an M.

Several weeks ago I posted about splitting an M and was worried about securing the frame rails to the engine when the bolts were removed. I backed out two bolts on each side, leaving the ends thru the backing plate. In additon, I made two guide bolts and screwed one on each side into the clutch housing and into the frame rails. Separated the halves about one inch, placed a nut between the two halves and screwed a short bolt into the nut and tightened. Rolled the front half away and went to work--replaced seals, checked the throw out bearing and pilot bearing--both OK. Replaced the flywheel ring gear and put in a new clutch plate. The only difficulty I had was that the threads in the bolt holes used to compress the springs in the pressure plate had been destroyed, so I took some 5/16th redi-rod and made three J hooks, inserted then through the slots in the three fingers down to the pressure plate, tightened the nuts and mounted the clutch. Unscrewed the nuts and was done. Bolted the halves together quite easily and this morning mounted the loader and put the old M back to work. Again, thanks to all who took the time to answer my questions and gave advise. Bert

YOu are welcome. Always nice to hear what outcomes were the result of advice!! Jim

So you did end up pulling the flywheel?

Yes, after reading that it was relatively simple, I pulled it. Other than being quite heavy for a 76 year old, went without a hitch.

Jim, Without your advice and that of the others, I don't think I had the courage to tackle my M. At 76, it looked monumental, but turned out to be quite simple. This the the most helpful and least critical of the forums on YT that I visit.

(quoted from post at 18:28:09 02/18/12) Yes, after reading that it was relatively simple, I pulled it. Other than being quite heavy for a 76 year old, went without a hitch.

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It's super easy once you get it split. Now that you tried a gasser try splitting a diesel! That is a lot more time consuming because of all the diesel switchover stuff.

The other pain it pulling the top lid on the transmission. There is a lot of stuff that has to come off to do that, too.