1982 Argo stuck in high gear.

[edrk213]

My argo trans is stuck in hi gear and I need to take the transmission apart. I got it like this and it was probably sitting outside for a few years cause there was some water in the gear oil. I can't get the driven clutch off it is rusted on so does anyone have some ideas to get the clutch off or what could be wrong with the shifter. The argo is an HT 4898 with a Tecumseh 16hp and a 6268J transmission. Thanks.

[Laird]

To remove the clutch....find a bolt like the one holding the clutch on only a inch or so longer. Mine was a7/16 fine thread. Take a 1/2 in drill and put a bit of a divit in the head of the bolt. Remove the original bolt and install the longer bolt. Then use an air hammer on the bolt head and a pry bar between the trans and clutch to put a bit of pressure on the clutch as you hit it with the air hammer. Once you get it moving, spray some sort of lube on the shaft. You may have to work it back and forth for the lube to penetrate.

[edrk213]

Well I did what you suggested, and thanks for the help by the way cause it was working. I got the clutch moving about a 1/4 inch and then the bolt broke off in the input shaft. I decided to use a grade 5 bolt don’t know why I had grade 8 bolts. Oh well go get an easy out tomorrow and use grade 8 bolt next time. It was 3/8 course thread. Thanks again.

[Laird]

My mistake on the bolt size. Of course it is 3/8, I was thinking of the engine clutch bolt size. Duh. Try a left twist drill to get the bolt out. The drill grabs the bolt and spins it out. Not a common set to have but very useful when needed.

[msafi65]

When you get it apart you will probably find the sliding double gear rusted on the shaft. With luck clean up will fix it. I use a piece of 7/8” aluminum shaft to drive the input out of clutches. Doesn’t mess with threads.

[edrk213]

Got the secondary off, it was tough. Taking a break then tearing into the trans.

[edrk213]

Can anyone recommend a good snap ring pliers to use on these transmissions? I think the biggest snap ring is almost 2-1/2 inches. I bought a ‘heavy duty’ channel lock set that failed already. Thanks!

[edrk213]

I got every seal and snap ring off I can see on the outside of the trans but nothing is moving. I’ve hammered and pryed as much as I want to, what do I do now do I need to use a press? The manual is pretty vague. Thanks!

[ARGOJIM]

The older transmissions do not have the bolts which aid in faceplate removal, you will probably have to split the halves with a couple wedge type tools while tapping on output shaft with a mallet.

[msafi65]

Jim is right on, the old ones can be tough. Make sure the reverse idler pin is pushed into case. It’s usually tight and will hold cover in place just like a bolt. Make sure shims are off the output shafts, they catch in the grooves. Basically you drive the guts out with the cover. Protect the shafts with aluminum or brass or the ends will be deformed beyond use. Good luck.

[edrk213]

I got it apart and you’re right it was tough just used a bigger hammer. Yes everything is a press fit holding the cover on. It was just a rusted double gear and splined shaft. I cleaned it up and now and it slides like new. Also the reverse idler gear was chewed up some should be replaced but bearings seem fine. Other than that just buy new seals and put back together hopefully works, thanks to all who helped! I couldn’t upload pictures to this thread but I did put some up on my gallery.