Bobcat 732 Engine won't pull out

[JeffZ]

I have an old (age undetermined since the model/serial number plate is missing) 732 that has a large hydraulic leak. Need to pull the engine to clean up the huge mess so I can track down the problem. Have everything disconnected that's necessary and removed the 4 bolts holding the mounting plate to the frame. Hooked up an engine hoist to lift the rear of the engine an inch to clear the frame but the engine won't release from the hydro static pump. I assume the splines are rusted to the u-joint/hub. I can swing the rear of the engine back and forth a good 4- 6 inches, but it won't release. Don't know how hard I can pull without damaging the hydraulic seal?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[craigb93]

Start with a grease gun to the spline fitting.

 

[JeffZ]

I would, but there's no fitting on the hub. Just fittings on the u-joint. Anyone have success trying to take the u-joint apart from the pump side? don't know if there's enough room to wrench it.

 

[craigb93]

There are three grease fittings as best I remember. Failing that, raise the ROPS and try to rap the spliine with maybe a pickle fork and hammer. Put a bit of pull on the engine w/ a come-along. don't need a lot, just a sharp blow or two.

 

[JeffZ]

Nope, just 2 on mine on the u-joints. I think this an old 732. I got it from a farm where they moved a lot of round bales. I think there's some plastic net wrap that got wrapped up in the splines next to the hub and got hot and melted in there. It just won't budge.

 

[flat sk]

I removed my 4G33 from a 642B last winter. After many days and many failed attempts to uncouple the U joint from the pump splines. what ended up working was a tensioned ratchet strap pulling on the motor and a air chisel wedged between the u joint and pump mount. Eventually jumped right off. Like I said. It was days of failed attempts and head scratching. All while laying in an awkward prone position blindly feeling for the right spot.( anyone who's been there can attest to how unenjoyable it can be)

 

[ZekeSkyree]

My guess is that no one ever greased the U-joint and the splines are rusted. I believe that is all that is holding it in. Best of luck on that one and to the rest who are reading this, a warning to get out your grease guns....

 

[spitzair]

You might be able to unbolt the u-joint from the flywheel by reaching in from the front but it will be pretty tricky to access. At least the bolts should be 12 point so getting a wrench on them should be possible…

 

[JeffZ]

Thanks for the replies! I think I'll need to clean it up as best I can with the engine in and try to find the leak when it's cleaner. Have some other projects I need to get to. I'll update if/when I ever get it pulled (probably not until spring the way it's going). It's the first time I've really torn into it, so I'm learning a lot!

 

[oiu789]

In the mean time keep soaking the spine area with penetrating oil as you use it to help get the spines loose!

 

[laurencen]

had good success using a pneumatic hammer with a home made brass punch, use it all the time for items rusted together, may have to make a long one to get behind motor