The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

I've read over related topics.
52 FMD. The handle spins on shaft. I've tightened it up but still spins on shaft. Handle will not slide off shaft easily for a better look. Maybe a puller would work? Will talking off belt pulley plate give access or at least a look?

you won't see much by taking of the belt pulley, only to see if you can slide the gears or not. I'm not sure, but I expect that there should be a woodruff key to connect the gear lever to the shaft.

That's right Mathias.

Leeroy,
It's a common problem.
Take it apart and clean it. Look for sharp edges or dents in both the woodruff key and holes and file them away.
Check the threads. Put it back together. Feel when the woodruff key falls deepest into the hole by moving the handle up and down and than lock it with the nut.
I had to do it a number of times, but now it is all right.

Thanks for the replies.
Unfortunately the handle won't come off easily.
I'll have to take the bracket off that has the throttle and radiator shutters lever to try a puller.
The shaft has a small hole in it Wondering if someone used a puller on it in the past.

Excited to report I've got the hi-lo gears shifting again! Many thanks to past and current posts and pictures.
The handle still has a little slop which I will continue to address.
Now the oil question:
I understand 80wt oil for the gearbox is no longer the specified oil, but I happen to have a new pail on hand.
Is there any reason not to refill gearbox with it? I also have on hand a pail of straight 46 hyd oil, a pail of hydraulic/transmission oil, as well as 15/40 motor oil. A short trip would get me a pail of 30wt etc.
Please advise on my best choice.
Again it's a1952 FMD.
Raking hay and pulling a small trailer with light loads will be its hardest work, with little to no road travel.
There are some leaks which we will get to, but that makes me question a lighter oil.

Hi,

Do not use the 46. Under no circumstances.

Read this for the Ford opinion. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=827

Emiel wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:03 pm

Hi,

Do not use the 46. Under no circumstances.

Read this for the Ford opinion. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=827

Thanks! Stuck with 90wt gear oil. That's what was in it and the axle/hydraulic. I'll change to something else shortly if it better for the tractor.
Top left bolt holding tractor together at bell housing the vent plug for gearbox?
I seem to have some foaming.