How I Make New Felt Grease Seals & Building X231's Steering Pedestal! Restoration Episode #90

[@williamhastings7182]

I just live seeing X231 back in the forefront...it will be so amazing after years of watching the progress to see it in a rolling chassis state...she will be a jewel no doubt

[@vincentburrowes9243]

Toby - Love the Gasket cutter. Agree with your process to remove the broken bolt - appreciated you demonstrating how you accurately found the centre which will help a lot of people in the restoration community. I know X231 does not receive the hits that the Caterpillar videos receive but the demonstration of the restoration techniques are pure gold for the restoration community and those who bypass X231 will miss out on a valuable education. My gut feeling is that X231 is going to be a trade off between a good education and a good income. Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year from those of us in Australia!

[@squatch253]

Thank you, and you're absolutely correct when you say that these restoration techniques aren't specific to just one tractor brand - rather they apply to just about any machine ever made, which actually makes the X231 series very worthwhile viewing for anybody who is interested in restoration work in general :-)

[@rolandmohler2695]

I agree. I watch these videos to learn the principles that Squatch253 presents to all mechanical issues

[@jefflormans5441]

My Dad used to have a small business manufacturing and repairing farm equipment in a small town in New Zealand. He even had an MM tractor which he converted into a mobile crane. He would have loved your channel. Watching this and thinking of him. Thanks.

[@danielbutler578]

Thanks for this episode. I will watch it over and over again until the next one comes out. I wish more viewers would pay attention to this unique machine. This is a piece of history that deserves more attention.

[@geneguenther4325]

Thanks for the episode Toby! One big thing off the list and she gave you back something to instead of fighting it! Can’t wait to see the front bolster all together. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@gary36535]

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

[@garyfeltus9801]

First time I've seen felt seals made. Perty cool . Love seeing X231 get closer and closer to be able to roll on it's own wheels . Thanks for great videos .

[@markmartin9671]

What a great end to the the weekend, An X231 video. That was a great "no drama" episode. I can see a roller coming soon in the future.

[@Zimmerdf]

Thank you for being an Inspiration. Im out in the shop working on my 1940 UTS while I listen.

[@dwjr5129]

Happy holidays Squatch, to you and your family as well. Looking forward to what you have planned in the new year!

[@rickyjessome4359]

Great video Toby. Lots of work involved there but the end result is perfect. Cheers

[@00nutt]

Exciting times coming!!! X231 fixing to be a roller!!!!

[@johnnyroberts6291]

Hey buddy, You just tickled the nerd in me, with your felt cutter.😂

[@larrysellers4941]

I always enjoy your channel. I know cat is what most want to see,but for us that watch most of your content,it's good to see x231 back in the forefront.I can't wait to see it finished.also looking forward to the RD6. Glad the problem with your eyes went well.Thanks for the good entertainment

[@williamschmiedel6890]

Nice work as always. I once had a coworker attempt to get a piece of hollow threaded handle out of a tool by using a file to cut grooves like you did. I was told he spent about 2 days on and off filing through the chromed tubing in several places. Sadly I stole his thunder, as I walked in when he wasnt at the bench but needed the vice which the part was still in, grabbed a flat file, barely stuck the end of the file into the hollow and twisted the broken piece by hand. It was a he remember that time moment for years.

[@Thomasgarrick113]

Really is nice to put good clean parts together and looks great when you get through I'm sure you worked on that for most of a day good job

[@squatch253]

I actually spent 3 full days getting all of this work done to turn it into a 22 minute video 👍

[@markhelseth253]

@@squatch253 The three into one rule also works with video raw to final edit...smile. I always estimated 40:1 ratio of minutes. Good editing takes FOREVER! You do a great job and follow the standard rules of camera work. The best editing and music are never noticed. Excellent job. It was fun to see the bolster come together from the mystery X231 shorty and a couple donors.

[@plainnpretty]

@@markhelseth253 shouldnt good editing go unnoticed ? and bad stand out ?

[@markhelseth253]

@@plainnpretty Yup. That's what I indicated.

[@plainnpretty]

@@markhelseth253 im agreeing with you

[@paulpowell9579]

As always, one cool episode Toby. Keep that X231 stuff coming

[@rickwensel2313]

Merry Christmas Toby, Senior and family. Happy New Year to to all.

[@rickharper6320]

Merry Christmas !!! Great progress !!!

[@robertmcconnell3788]

This one of my fav rebuilds! glad to see it back in the forefront.

[@dougkubash8673]

Enjoyed watching! It's a good feeling when you collapse the wall of the bolt in and you see the whole thing move. Nice work!

[@timothyball3144]

@@dougkubash8673 It was an easy bolt to remove. I mean, he took it out with a screwdriver.😅

[@clydeschwartz]

Excellent video it's nice to see another part ready to go one x231

[@lifeafterourloss]

I don't know why but it surprises me that only one bolt holds the spindle in there. Very nice video glad "Christine" didn't throw you any curve balls with this one. It's nice not to Ride The Struggle Bus sometimes.

[@williamschmiedel6890]

I thought the route number for the struggle bus was x231 . . .

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I would still use grease on those stub axles and cross bolts, not for ease of disassembly in the future, but as a medium to prevent moisture from penetrating all those surfaces and thread, creating rust. A good water repelling, immersion rated grease is best. External surfaces can be wiped clean with acetone for painting, and then all those surfaces are protected, non corroding for ages and ages.

[@terrycannon570]

That was really slick the way you make felt seals. I'll bet that sheet of felt is about like gold. The only place I have found felt is McMaster-Carr and it is really pricey.

[@squatch253]

Yep, that’s where I bought this sheet from a couple years ago when I was working on 5J1113 and I remember it being rather expensive even back then 👍

[@alanmize5627]

I am really enjoying X231 please keep going forward.

[@claysmagicalland9097]

Excellent episode.

[@charleslund453]

Rusted and broken bolts can be such a nemeses. In most occasions I have been very lucky to remove them. The heat wrench will always help. The heat transfer to the length of the bolt and not hurting the casting is critical. Otherwise, damage to good parts can cause a change of vocabulary. Always a pleasure to watch your methods. I like the rule of three. I have been to the same salvage yard as you. I like going there. They are most helpful. Will be waiting for the next video. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@anthonyhoult152]

Morning Toby, now that is what I call a pre Christmas treat! Brilliant to see X231 parts coming back together and you are just brilliant at explaining how to do things. Wishing you and all your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from my family to yours 🎄 Anthony

[@ricklaleman6552]

Nice work on he pedestal. I am looking forward to assembly!

[@Daniel_cheems]

X231 is awesome! Glad to see progress being made on it! Merry Christmas Squatches!

[@roberthousedorfii1743]

As ALWAYS, worth watching for the tips. Dremel the studs, tappy tappy tap, flathead screwdriver. Damn...

[@vanislescotty]

Merry Christmas! Another great episode. Truly one of the highlites of my KZbin week.

[@kylechrist]

2:53 there's the hack and hammer mentality! 😂

[@squatch253]

Had to vent off some excess steam so I could make it through the rest of the episode lol! ;-)

[@Styrofo4m]

I love episodes that show lots of progress. They make up for the slower ones in a satisfying way.

[@kerrybradbury8768]

Hello from Tasmania. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all.thanks Kerry.

[@briancook4065]

Merry Christmas Toby to you and Senior,plus Mrs Senior look forward to next years content

[@owen33333]

Great work!

[@molinedan]

I would hang on that extra pedestal. It is still useable. I bet you there is a tractor puller needing that.

[@mmm365]

He is throwing away too much.

[@hobbyaddict9908]

You make everything look so easy!!

[@stevea9604]

Looked up craftsmanship in the dictionary…Said see Squatch 253 👍🏻🤩👌🏻

[@ap1687]

Very nice!

[@stephenkrile3330]

Wonderful getting close to a roller

[@spyderman1964]

Love me some X231.

[@crookedaxle]

Pro tip....keep the split of the lock washer down so it sheds moisture.

[@sterff89]

Great video! That outside workbench comes in handy! I’d like to build something like that for grinding to keep the mess outside.

[@squatch253]

Yep, I always get a few comments every time I show it with people asking why I'm working outside in the cold instead of in the shop, but keeping all of the dirt, rust, dust, smoke, and flame outside is 100% worth having to put on a jacket for lol :-)

[@greenmule]

Great Job and Video Squatch and hope Santa is Good to Ya

[@Denis-tu1pd]

All your videos have a lot of imformation on your videos .Marry christmas and happy new year to you and your family . Denis from Santa Rosa Ca

[@littlejason99]

I really enjoy the X231 videos, but honestly all your videos are great, I've learned so much from watching them. I'm also amazed and all the things you have fabricated simply by taking your time thinking things through and making fixtures to work with what tools you have. You are a true craftsman. That gasket cutter is pretty slick!

[@richardwalters1803]

Great video. Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@davidsmith-ee8cb]

Love seeing your breath coming out of the dust breather. Spent many a cold day sandblasting and welding wearing one those, some days the filter would actually freeze up if it stayed in the single digits.

[@cochrandc7484]

Love all your content but seeing you tackle all the unique challenges that X231 brings is the best. Thanks for sharing its history with us. Can’t wait to see it as a roller !

[@darploin5071]

Hey squatch hope you're having a great Sunday I just Want to wish you squatch senior and your family a very merry Christmas

[@colin8532]

WAIT, HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE SIR...... A farm tractor should always have cotter pins replaced with bent over nails! LOL. That felt cutter is pretty slick, but I was a little surprised you didn't opt to upgrade to modern seals. The pedestal turned out great. I swear you have better luck getting stuck bolts out than anyone else on KZbin lol

[@squatch253]

Thanks, I probably could've tried to cross-reference the shaft and OD specs with the seal listings in the books I have here, but it would've involved special ordering seals, and at much greater cost than keeping the original felt seal setup and using the material I already had on hand. Regarding the broken bolts - this is going to sound arrogant but after enough experience in removing rusted, stuck, or broken bolts of every size and in every material, you don't need to rely on luck for the majority of it - although a little bit never hurts lol! I learned a long time ago that "Easy-Outs" almost NEVER get anything out, they're only meant for use on very clean fasteners or ones that run inside oil compartments, that have weakened and broken off due to stresses or vibration. In those cases, an Easy-Out will have no trouble grabbing the broken end and twisting it out. But in most other scenarios where the elements have taken their toll and everything's stuck tight, you might get heat or welding to work for you, but most times going straight to a CONTROLLED drilling process is your best bet - and quickest - because odds are you're going to end up there anyway, but only after making the job even worse due to the after-effects of the other failed attempts.

[@phillipbybee7157]

I have also drilled and left minimal material then use a cutting torch to heat then quickly blow the remaining bolt material out leaving the thread untouched cast iron melts a few hundred degrees higher of course a mill is the best if you can hold it sold

[@KurtM558]

I know X231 doesn’t pay the bills as well as the Cats do, but the progress is coming along nicely. I think once it is on wheels, people will notice how special she is.

[@marshall1066]

My grandpa always said if you have a stuck bolt or something, heat it up red hot and then slowly dump water on top, and then right away un turn it. To this day, it has worked every time.

[@1crazynordlander]

Squatch brings out the impact wrench when time is of the essence...

[@squatch253]

"Strike while the iron is hot" ;-)

[@tommcmillan3143]

Hi Toby, this is serendipitous to see work resume on the X231, thanks for sharing as always and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@stevea9604]

Great bolt removal tutorial from prof Squatch

[@evanpolasek8033]

Yay! X231, my favorite.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

Well done! You are making progress.

[@dirtysalmonchaser]

cool video, keep them coming

[@michaelscriffiano9267]

Excellent work

[@chrismaurer8879]

You and your fam have a very happy Christmas

[@cmh1984]

Another step closer to roller status.

[@rogerallen6644]

Well you made short work of those spindles! I was expecting big trouble to fit in with the rest of 231. Nicely done!

[@jmailbell]

Great video as always!

[@raincoast9010]

I liked the felt gasket making process.

[@raincoast9010]

The spindle parts cleaned up really nice.

[@reedthompson4093]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@brycewiborg8095]

Tusen Takk. God Yul to you, and your's.

[@TsunauticusIV]

By the time this thing is all together it’s going to be time to start restoring the first parts you restored again. 😂

[@neilshep50]

If it hadn't been for the broken wheel bolts, this episode would have been disappointingly easy! Seriously, great progress, but if you carry on like this, you'll finish X231 before Project Binky.

[@chrisrhodes5464]

I know what you mean about Binky those guys are making stuff up to drag it out longer I think

[@wagon9082]

Good video

[@richardthompson6366]

Cannot wait to see some wheels under this tractor but have been waiting all the same, ha ha.

[@chrisrhodes5464]

Wow for once x231didn't fight every step of the way

[@ThomasBacka]

Suddenly. Progress!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Thanks!

[@ronniewolfe1634]

Thank you ...

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Those parts cleaned up amazingly well, Squatch Although I'm wondering if you actually built a foundry and are now casting new parts 🤔

[@raincoast9010]

Good job getting that broken bolt out!

[@rickbrandt9559]

Vary Thoughtful Bolt Removal makes for the Easiest Way

[@mandolinman2006]

You keep this up, and you'll have a roller by spring.

[@Denis-tu1pd]

Those felt seals are on my front and rear axles . When i built my 1956 chevy pu i bought 2 grills to make 1 perfect grill for chrome .

[@1murder99]

It is good using a torch outside. I am sure Michigan can use the heat.

[@Junkboy888]

looking good

[@nandi123]

You got a lot done. Is there a cap or plug to seal the bottom opening of the pedestal tube? Do you paint it inside to prevent rust?

[@squatch253]

No caps or plugs, the entire pedestal is just left open. I probably won’t attempt to get any paint in there either, it’s too small of a space and you’d only end up with a thick coat just inside each opening and still nothing in the middle. That’s partly why the factory didn’t put any paint in those either 👍

[@nandi123]

@@squatch253 I see. I saw Eastwood makes an 24" flexible nozzle for their internal frame coating products. But since the factory left it bare I'm sure it's fine as is. I was amazed how you how clean you were able to get the bolster. Good stuff!

[@ronzezulka6646]

Squatched,,,now it's better than original.

[@MrNeverseeme]

I feel your struggle with broken bolts. I remove them knife gate valves that move boron slurry. If you don't know what boron is, Google it. The knife gate valves in which I service/repair range from size, 3" upwards to 24" (input/output), at 4-8 bolts ranging from 3/8" to 1/2" on (input/output) flanges. I usually cut/grind and leave the broken bolts, pull out the Mag-Drill, drill new thru holes on the flanges which will allow bolt and nut, then call it a day. I've found it more economical with this procedure. Perhaps drilling/tapping new holes in between the existing holes would provide a quick fix for future field fixes/breakdowns.

[@gregorymacneil2836]

You like to clean parts up with wire brushes - how come you don’t use Evaporust? Great video! Love your work!

[@squatch253]

I’ve used Evaporust on here before, when I soaked out the inside of the cylinder head on the Cat D2 #5J1113 project, as well as using it in the stuck cylinders of the other recent D2 parts engine teardown a couple weeks ago. But for most applications it’s just too slow, I can wire wheel parts clean in a fraction of the time that it takes the Evaporust to do its job 👍

[@andykeil6020]

I see McMaster Carr has the felt, but there are a bunch of different grades at a wide range of prices. Which type would you use for the seals?

[@squatch253]

I also got this felt sheet from McMaster-Carr a couple years ago, it’s actually a slow wicking grade felt that I picked up to use inside oil cups because it’ll absorb the oil and only slowly release it. But just about any grade of felt wont mind grease, because it’s far too thick to seep through 👍

[@jacilynns6330]

And now would be the time to put the first coat of paint on it, warmed up on woodstove first, then let dry in a corner. Just a brush on coat on warmed cast iron flows quite well…just bleed the porous cast iron first as there may be hidden oil.

[@raincoast9010]

Thanks.

[@michaelmathews295]

You should have soaked those felt seals in gear oil or maybe some STP oil treatment, very viscous.

[@SuperMAZ007]

The best part was making your own Felt seals. Now I have a idea how these are made. I do wonder why did Moline not put a thrust washer before the castle nut? However to me it seems there is no room for a washer in the hub.

[@mmm365]

8:55 realy!? No grease on shaft, no paint, no anti seeze?? 21:30 not a bit grease on there with a brush!? I am a bit shocked...😮

[@paulary5613]

What type of grease are you using 19:59

[@crookedaxle]

Are you using galvanized lock washers? If so, why and how do you get paint to stick?

[@timothyball3144]

It seems like there would be a bit more drag spinning the hub due to the custom, snug fit of the felt seals.

[@squatch253]

Yes, there was - all taken into account. That’s partly why I just left it as “It’s a “feel” type of thing, too difficult to explain…” 👍

[@timothyball3144]

@squatch253 I forgot to say that when you showed that -new- cleaned spindle, I let out an audible wow. That cleaned up great.

[@lancelandis227]

Have you tried the crayon method, get it hot, put a crayon on the threads, let it melt and try it

[@squatch253]

Yes, I demonstrated the hot wax method a few times back in the 5J1113 restoration series when I was freeing up the stuck main clutch 👍