Removing Plastic Handle on PTO lever

[doc724 925]

Does anyone know how to remove the plastic handle (Toro calls it a knob) on the PTO lever on later model (1996 and later) 300/00/500 series machines?  The knob looks like it is molded on, however I have been able to budge it about 3/8 inch just by pulling on it.   It was a separate part in the IPL (but now discontinued).  I have tried rapping it with a wooden block and rubber mallet but no result to date.  1994 and earlier models used a vinyl sleeve (that I had to cut off on a previous restoration and buy a new one)  If I have to cut off the plastic one and replace it with a vinyl one, I will, but it is not my first preference.  The only reason for removing the handle in the first place is that the snap ring, which keeps a split plastic bushing on the PTO shaft in place, has been damaged.  I suppose I could look for a split ring collar to take the place of the snap ring but I thought I would ask here first.

 

thx

 

 

[stevasaurus 22,685]

I seem to think I remember Glenjerry saying to stick the plastic in some hot water for a couple of minutes.  Works to take off and to put back on.  Just want to soften it enough to make it pliable.    Can't hurt it to try.

[meadowfield 2,570]

I push a short screwdriver inside and squirt WD40 or washing up liquid. Then just twist and massage until it slides off. Always used the same method for bike grips too...

[daveoman1966 3,745]

Find a steel washer or 2 with ID to just fit the round shaft...slide them on the shaft, up to the base of the handle / knob.

Now, put the shaft into a vise and tighten in a position that you can use an open-end wrench to drive against the washer(s). If you can find an open-end wrench to just fit on the shaft and slowly hammer against it....not directly hammering the plastic handle.    

[doc724 925]

Success, Stevasaurus was spot on with his suggestion to soak the knob in hot water. Why does this work?-because the coefficient of thermal expansion of nylon is greater than that of steel-when the nylon is warm, the inside diameter gets bigger.

 

Of course this is easier said than done since you cannot get the  PTO lever off the tractor as it must be removed from the inside of the hood stand and the knob obviously cannot be on it.  So I wrapped a dish towel around the knob, held it in place with two rubber bands, and poured a quart of not quite boiling water on the dish towel and let it sit for 3 minutes.  I took off the towel and with my bare hands I was able to get it off in about 15-20 seconds!

[stevasaurus 22,685]

Very ingenious Don...glad that worked for you. 

[Kegler 68]

My suggestion would have been to use a heat gun, just being carefull not to melt the knob. Glad your method worked.