Removing side rods to replace traction tire

[tbwilson4]

Hello-It's probably been asked before,but here it comes-I am trying to replace rear traction tire on MTH E-4 Hudson which requires removal of side rods. Ok, but are these supposed to unscrew, pop out, or what? How is the main driver pin removed? Instruction sheet doesn't provide any useful information. Thanks!

[spankybird]

You should only have to remove the screw that is fastening the drive rod to the wheel. With this removed, the side rod can be pushed out of the way to alow the tire to be removed and new one placed on.

[tbwilson4]

I cant see how to actually unscrew this pin-it doesnt appear to be slotted to accept a screwdriver, & doesn"t appear to have edges to accept a wrench of some kind. How do I physically remove this pin without breaking something? Help!

[spankybird]

My engines have a hex shoulder screw holding on the side rods. Therefore it does not have any slots in it. I use a 5mm socket to remove them.





tom

[tbwilson4]

I will give it a try. At least now I know it can be safely unscrewed. Thanks for the assistance!

[lionelsoni]

I wouldn't assume that it is safe to unscrew it. It might be a screw and it might be a tightly fitting pin. All the ones I've dealt with are threaded; but they also all have flats for a wrench. Even that is not a guarantee. I messed up the trailing-truck frame of my 773 by assuming that the hex-headed fasteners for the wheel bearings were threaded. (They're not.)

At least don't put much torque on it. Have you tried prying, perhaps with a screwdriver behind the rods?

[Anonymous]

i heard of some side rod screws that are loc-tited into place at the factory!! contact the Mfgr to make sure!!!!!!

[spankybird]

I can tell you of the 18 MTH steam engines that I own, the side rod is connect as show.

[tbwilson4]

I'm assuming that to loosten pin one would turn to the left- "lefty-loosie" ? I did try applying moderate torque with a 5 mm socket , didnt budge.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tbwilson4

I cant see how to actually unscrew this pin-it doesnt appear to be slotted to accept a screwdriver, & doesn"t appear to have edges to accept a wrench of some kind. How do I physically remove this pin without breaking something? Help!

quote
Posts: 9
Joined: 11 Oct 2003
I'm assuming that to loosten pin one would turn to the left- "lefty-loosie" ? I did try applying moderate torque with a 5 mm socket , didnt budge. quote



im confused... how did you get a socket on a pin that has no edges to accept a wrench?

[tbwilson4]

After putting on my reading glasses,( it's hell getting old) -I was able to see that it does have edges on the pin & did accept a 5mm socket. But I am afraid to apply too much pressure in fear of snapping something off.

[spankybird]

It should be ok, turn it counter clockwise. It's a right hand thread.

[tbwilson4]

SUCCESS! Adding a miniature vice grip to socket wrench provided enough torque to loosten pin from driver. Traction tire is replaced & the C&NW "Challenger" is again on schedule. Thanks for all the help. Now if I could only get that FM Erie-built smoke unit to work.........some other time. Thanks!

[spankybird]

Glad we could help.