Long, LONG story, but the short version is, I had a problem with my tractor that gave every indication of being expensive and difficult to fix as it supposedly involved removing the cab. The hydro trans control kept creeping into gear from neutral.

Finally got aggravated enough about it to see if I could do SOMETHING to fix it myself. Turns out I got bit on two levels:

1. No need to remove the cab, there's an access panel in the floor under the rubber mat and soundproofing. (So much for Doctor Youtube...)

2. The problem is my own damn fault, I replaced a bad switch last Summer and didn't get it adjusted right so it was interfering with the hydro linkage.

Dumbass...

AS a man working today, with a hang over? Yes, yes I do hate that, very much so.

at least the tractor's an easier fix than you thought.

No I don't hate it. I've been screwing myself like that for so long that I think I'm actually beginning to enjoy it !! LOL

quote:

Originally posted by hvyhawler:
No I don't hate it. I've been screwing myself like that for so long that I think I'm actually beginning to enjoy it !! LOL

I know how you feel.

There has been a number of times in my life that I tore into a machine of one kind or another and screwed it up to the point that I had to haul/tow it to someone to un-screw it.

I feel your pain.

Jim

If I could only remember the 'oh shit' lessons of my fubar episodes over the years. I hate 're-edumacatin' myself. When I've discovered the error of my brilliance, I need to stop, take notes and pictures. Then I can file it all away someplace where I will never find it...arrrrgggghhh.

Had my zero turn mower not pulling straight. Bought a bunch of parts before I realized that a thirty dollar steel plate on the bottom had cracked and was the only thing that was bad. Lucky for me the mower shop let me return the parts that I didn't use. Guess I need to look at what isn't working before assuming how bad it is and getting the parts beforehand. (Duh?)

I've learned to keep My GM all GM.
Only buy Mopar parts for a Dodge.
Kimber parts are for Kimber pistols.
etc...

Replacing the screen in the cell phone is a pain in the ass, but fixing it set me back $20.
Rebuilding an automatic transaxle is a bigger pain, but fixing it set me back about $200.
Knowing that I have the mental wherewithal to successfully do both: Priceless.

I wish I could fix my tractor like you if I had a tractor. But then again, I guess I'm glad I don't have a tractor. I wouldn't know what to do with it other than ask my wife if she thinks my tractor is sexy.

I put a diesel pump on a 75hp New Holland last year.

Had to remove the bucket and cowling to do it.

Of course there are no timing marks on it, nooooooo, you have to put a bolt through the bell housing into the flywheel and set the pump before you put it on and line up the drive gear.

I get it installed and it's a tooth off. Had to pull the gear and rotate the engine a single tooth.

THEN I had to use another tractor with a bucket to life the bucket back into place and drive it under it to pound in the pins.

quote:

Originally posted by Rey HRH:
I wish I could fix my tractor like you if I had a tractor. But then again, I guess I'm glad I don't have a tractor. I wouldn't know what to do with it other than ask my wife if she thinks my tractor is sexy.

Necessity is a Mother.

Grew up on a farm and money was tight. If you couldn't fix it yourself, chances were good it didn't get fixed unless it was vital to survival. Much more likely to build something than buy it.

Dad did most of his own mechanical work (including rebuilding tractors) carpentry, plumbing, electrical (that was his profession) and heating work. About the only thing I've picked up that I didn't learn from him is welding and a bit of machining.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
Long, LONG story, but the short version is, I had a problem with my tractor that gave every indication of being expensive and difficult to fix as it supposedly involved removing the cab. The hydro trans control kept creeping into gear from neutral.

Finally got aggravated enough about it to see if I could do SOMETHING to fix it myself. Turns out I got bit on two levels:

1. No need to remove the cab, there's an access panel in the floor under the rubber mat and soundproofing. (So much for Doctor Youtube...)

2. The problem is my own damn fault, I replaced a bad switch last Summer and didn't get it adjusted right so it was interfering with the hydro linkage.

Dumbass...

The good news, is that you discovered points 1 and 2 by yourself, and not after paying someone to fix it. So, it could have been a lot worse!

quote:

Originally posted by Perception:

The good news, is that you discovered points 1 and 2 by yourself, and not after paying someone to fix it. So, it could have been a lot worse!

Damned near WAS worse...I was this close to saying fuggit and taking it to the dealer.

Yep, that's why I always try to remove the most difficult to remove nut first, instead of last.

the only thing worse than paying a pro to do it is having to pay a pro after you screwed it up even worse.

quote:

Originally posted by Ronin101:
the only thing worse than paying a pro to do it is having to pay a pro after you screwed it up even worse.

Indeed. I have, on occasion, reached a point in working on something where I've said to myself "Time to take it to the pros before I FUBAR it."

Then again, on smaller stuff, I have fixed things to the point that the only thing left to do was shitcan it and buy a new one...

quote:

Then again, on smaller stuff, I have fixed things to the point that the only thing left to do was shitcan it and buy a new one...

Ya, I've fixed things like that on more than one occasion.