My first tractor on its 80th birthday (Part 2)

WI Dan · Jun 3, 2021

It's been a while, but we started back in on the John Deere H.
Last night put the radiator together. Used 2A sealant on gaskets made with rubberized cork.
A few stubborn bolts and nuts, we chased all with taps/dies.
The reproduction radiator holes weren't perfect either. We persuaded it for a good tight fit.

testing gasket fit:

cleaning metal. castings were very rough

did the bottom first, then flipped to do the top.
Without my boss helping, I would have been lost.

WI Dan · Jun 3, 2021

And, the finished product!

Carefully tightening the bolts, working our way around multiple times, half-turn increments.

It's heavy! Good for keeping the front wheels on the ground.

SweetFeet · Jun 3, 2021

Looks like a job well done.

Richard G. · Jun 3, 2021

I agree with SweetFeet.
I did an A JD years ago and it was very heavy.
I love my JD H and about to go out and plant with it right now.
Richard in NW SC

johndeerejim · Jun 3, 2021

Nicely done. Is that 2A sealant necessary for the gaskets? I only ask because I will be eventually doing my John Deere B radiator at some point. Thank you for posting this.

matthies · Jun 3, 2021

I always use No. 2 the one that stays pliable. Never had a leak on one yet, but use paper gaskets.

WI Dan · Jun 4, 2021

[matthies]
Good to hear a similar story. The expert on this project said the same thing. Because the system isn't pressurized and the castings are rough - the softer 2A stuff is best.

My first tractor on its 80th birthday (Part 2)

WI Dan

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WI Dan

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SweetFeet

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Richard G.

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johndeerejim

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matthies

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WI Dan

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