'68 Tucker 442 finds a new home

[Tucker Someday]

A few more shots from this week. Just because I know we all like pictures of people enjoying cats.

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[Tucker Someday]

We had a lot of snow. Then we had a lot of rain. But there is still enough to have some fun.

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[Tucker Someday]

Installed my new cargo light too. Wow those leds are bright!

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[Track Addict]

You thread the needle up that Hill?

 

[Tucker Someday]

Plenty of snow left in NH. Wish the turning radius was a little tighter.

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[Track Addict]

Yup winter is over. Beautiful day up there today !

Steering issue fix it’s self yet?

 

[Tucker Someday]

Yup winter is over. Beautiful day up there today !

Steering issue fix it’s self yet?

Nope, steering about the same. I haven’t had a chance to look at it yet. Still not right though. Might have to take it to my local Tucker shop south of the border.


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[Tucker Someday]

Heading back south to where its second life began so Track Addict can help me fix this steering issue. 4 hours to get to MA with every leaf peeper in New England. I might have gone just as fast without the truck and trailer.


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[Track Addict]

Was up until Sunday got out early am. Lots of people up there this weekend.

Look forward to seeing my kin!

 

[Track Addict]

More cross thread contamination.

Welcome back welcome back welcome back welcome back!

 

[Track Addict]

Co parenting went well this evening. Pulled off the pump and orbitrol.

I’m betting on bad pump or priority valve issue. If piston were bad wheel should just soon and never stop move the piston either way. Bench test of orbitrol seems to be functioning.

Marshall going to hopefully have confirmation soon from a local shop.

Plan is to replace pump with single output and filter the return and loose the two uneeded outlet and hose.

 

[Tucker Someday]

Thanks for wrenching with me. I wish I could buy a car that comes with a lifetime mechanic some day.


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[Tucker Someday]

Whoops. Seems I uploaded these pic a few times. But seems so empty without a steering column.


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[Tucker Someday]

Hydraulic Update: Had the pump tested and it's junk - picture of parts in a box is current state. Some metal shavings and other foreign material got in there and ground things up. I'm not really surprised since the old suction filter in the tank had fallen apart. I think that may have been the source of some of the junk that got in the system. Replacement pump in on order.

Hoping the orbital and cylinder are ok. Orbitrol is shipping back to Medford for a rebuild so will see how that goes. Will try to flush the cylinder and hope for the best. Appreciate any suggestions on that.

One benefit of the new pump is that we get to ditch one unnecessary port since this rig doesn't have rear hookups any more. New system with be neater and less opportunity for leaks etc. Main challenge now is that the tank configuration is not quite what we need to put a filter or filters on the return lines. Ideally we could source a new tank with one suction line out on bottom and two 3/4 returns on the front. Something like what Blackfoot did with this one. Any ideas?

Another option could be to tee the two return lines and run through one filter with a larger 1" or bigger return to the tank. Appreciate any ideas or redirection.

 

[sno-drifter]

I am good with your lower sketch assuming the "Tee" looking item is a filter just before the tank and tank is vented to atmosphere. Doesn't need to be any larger diameter piping than the rest of the system. Defiantly use larger diameter on tank to pump suction.

I would take the cylinder apart or have it done to clean it. I don't know how to flush ALL the metal particles out. They will be in the seals and could give you grief in the future and you will be going around money the loop again. It will also give you the knowledge that everything is good to go for many many hours of service. And clean and flush the hoses and all fittings. Did you check the orbital for clean and condition?

$.02

 

[Cidertom]

I'm going to comment on the contamination. Pull and flush the lines, or do it in place with high flow. Dips in hose act as traps and can hoard crap that will move later. #BTDT.

 

[Track Addict]

To work with the tank we have will involve taking the return from the new pump and the return from steering which are 3/4” and putting a T right before the filter. The filter will hang on the front of the tank and dump in which is open to atmosphere.

The suction stain the same which is 1” or maybe bigger. Concern was that the two lines and the T would create restriction but the total flow is 1/3 what the filter can handle.

If the group thinks this will be ok then this job just got easier.

Sounds like the piston is coming off for a rebuild.

 

[Track Addict]

This alternative lifestyle Tucker co-parenting isn’t bad. Other dad gets to clean up after the kid!

Piston removed with a little persuasion. These lines and the original ones appear to be smaller than what I replaced on the other part of the system.

Think our T setup of pump returns before the filter will be just fine.

 

[Tucker Someday]

This is a great deal. Buy a cat and get service for life! What’s your shop rate? 12 pack/hour? Nice work over there. Thank you.


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[Track Addict]

First time back under the cat since the last time. Minor PTSD but we worked though it.

I updated the shop safety sign. “It has been 720 days since last Tucker incident”.

 

[Tucker Someday]

The new safety switch is working well so far! It’s cold out tonight. Some snow therapy can’t be far off to help with that ptsd.


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[Tucker Someday]

Finally making some progress on the steering fix. New pump is here and Brian and I mocked up the new set up with the new external filter assembly and teeing the two returns back into the one hole return hole in the tank. Bringing the cylinder into a shop tomorrow to have cleaned out and rebuilt. We found more metal shards in the fittings so pretty sure it’s everywhere.

Orbitrol is back at Tucker. Clyde called today and said they need to order a seal kit. Apparently this one is a 3” body and they usually see 3 1/2” or 4”. All news to me but hoping they can turn it around fast because snow is flying!

The fit with the new filter setup is tight but should work just fine.




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[sno-drifter]

Don't use Teflon seal tape. It raises hell with hyd. components.

 

[Tucker Someday]

Thanks for that. Will use proper pipe dope!


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[Track Addict]

Recreational pipe dope works on some of these projects as well.

 

[sno-drifter]

So while we are talking Tucker hydraulics, here is a suggestion for Sno-Cats located in high humidity or dusty, abrasive environments. When parking your four track for long periods, leave your machine in the full left turn position. This locates the steering cylinder rod fully inside the cylinder and prevents contaminates on the otherwise exposed rod. It is now happy in it's oil bath.

 

[Track Addict]

My parts guy is a little off here. Pump install benched for now.

Note how on the bottom of the pump Tucker made a special bracket that bolts to the pump for the pivot for adjustment.

Had to swap the stock bolts out of the new pump and insert the longer ones from the old pump.

 

[Track Addict]

We will also be in need of a QD bushing SDS-3/4”. This one has a crack.

 

[Track Addict]

Progress

 

[Track Addict]

Fresh rebuilt piston installed.

Think we have all the parts to put back together.

Hoping by next Sunday to have ready to head back to the north country!