Installing crank gear on Case 188 diesel

The factory manual says to use the gear heater to heat the gear up to temperature before sliding/pressing it onto the crank. Since I don't have one of those heaters I'm wondering what the best way to install the gear would be. I have an oxy/acetyline torch that I can use to warm up the gear but I'm not sure if that is the best approach. I also have a modeling heat gun but I doubt that it will get the gear hot enough. Also, once I get the gear hot will I need to use a press or will it slide on relatively easily?

Any tips or suggestions greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Brad

• 1963 Case 530CK backhoe

Torch will do just fine . Use a very soft flame as you don't want any hot spots. Temperature
should not excede 350 deg F , more will change
the heat treatment. Put a little oil film on the gear teeth and heat
the inner area , oil film will begin to vapor at
about 250 deg , heat for another few seconds ,let
heat soak thru gear , and install on crank. Most
easily done with crank standing vertical .

george

Thanks for the tips. I had the gear installed by the time your post arrived. I think I pretty much did what your advice and Stressfree's advice was and it worked fine. There was still a little oil on the gear and when I was heating the gear using a rosebud tip set to a soft flame held a ways back from the gear I notice a light smoke coming off it after a short time. I figured that it was about right for install at that point. I did have the crank standing on end and quickly lined the gear up and started tapping it down with a large socket and it seated just fine.

Got the crank installed tonight but haven't torqued the bearings down yet. Figured I do that tomorrow.

One question I do have on the main cap bolts. Should I apply a light coat of oil before installing the bolts? We do that with our race car engines because its supposed to provide a more even torque. I can't find anything like that mentioned in the manual though. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the tips!

Brad

• 1963 Case 530CK backhoe

george

Sounds good. I think I'll give the assembly lube a try.

Any suggestions on the assembly order for the rest of the engine? Should I do the pistons and liners next, or the cam, or....?

Thanks!

Brad

• 1963 Case 530CK backhoe

george

I installed the crank last night. Is it worth the effort to pull the crank to put the liners in? Looking at where the tappets go I think I can get them with no problem. But I am worried about rust from the liners as you mentioned.

Oh yeah, went to start the liner installation and couldn't find the o-rings in either the top end or bottom end kits. Turns out they weren't included. Now I have to wait until I can order them in before proceeding. Drats!

Brad

• 1963 Case 530CK backhoe