jef7757 10 #1 Posted May 20, 2021 Hello Everyone! I am a 20 yo college student who just got an RJ 58 as a summer project. My goal is to restore this tractor before school starts up in the fall. The tractor runs and drives, however, it is leaking gear oil from the axels and from the brake shaft. I have began tearing the tractor apart but I do not know what to do next. Can anyone help me find the parts I need to stop the leak? Thanks, John 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,740 #2 Posted May 20, 2021 Welcome to Red Square There is a little more to these transmissions then just changing out seals. You trans has "cap" seals on the axle housing...take a screwdriver and hammer and gently tap them off evenly around the housing. The axles have an outer axle bushing instead of a bearing. When you look down the axle at it, it should be about 1/16" all the way around. If it worn, it will appear next to nothing and the axle will have some side to side or up and down slop. A new seal will not stop the leak if that is what is going on. A new bushing is in order. Lowell at the address below is a vendor on this site and has all the bearings and seals and gasket you need for that trans. https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/141-wheelhorse-parts-and-more/ We also have some helpful instructional threads with videos and such to help you save that horse. This one will tell you everything you ever wanted to know. Please show us some pictures of the RJ and ask any questions you want. 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #3 Posted May 20, 2021 (edited) 24 minutes ago, jef7757 said: Hello Everyone! I am a 20 yo college student who just got an RJ 58 as a summer project. My goal is to restore this tractor before school starts up in the fall. The tractor runs and drives, however, it is leaking gear oil from the axels and from the brake shaft. I have began tearing the tractor apart but I do not know what to do next. Can anyone help me find the parts I need to stop the leak? Thanks, John Hey John, I am a year younger as you. Have had 3 WH trannys apart, all had there seals leaking, which is a pretty easy job to do. RJ58 , Sweet choice (1. use a pick to remove the existing seals, but don't dig to deep, to prevent bearing damage. 2. find a piece of tubing that just fits over the axles, so you can evenly install the seal.) oops this applies for newer trannys. Oh and make yourself a puller for pulling those hubs of. Don't use a hammer or 3 jaw pulley puller. As to parts number, i don't now. But take my advice as a grain of salt, in comparison with stevasaurus , he his the trannys specialist here at redsquare. Edited May 20, 2021 by Maxwell-8 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #4 Posted May 20, 2021 (edited) Lots of help here for your project. Parts for that transmission are available from our friend Lowell @wheelhorseman You will most likely for sure need this kit but maybe some bearings too. 5003 / 5010 Early Transmission Bushing & Seal Kit Wheel Horse - Wheel Horse Parts and More Find out once you get it apart. @stevasaurus has some excellent videos on rebuilding it and will be along to welcome. Dino a faster typer than me ?!?!?!... now that just ain't right! Edited May 20, 2021 by WHX24 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #5 Posted May 20, 2021 10 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: Please show us some pictures of the RJ As you may have noticed, we like our here! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,045 #7 Posted May 20, 2021 Welcome to Red Square Click on the fuzzy picture in the link 2 more pages of reading material https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=rj-58&quick=1&type=downloads_file Garry 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,056 #9 Posted May 20, 2021 Always great to see younger folks still interested in these little tractors! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,069 #10 Posted May 20, 2021 4 hours ago, jef7757 said: Hello Everyone! I am a 20 yo college student who just got an RJ 58 to You could not have found a better place for information and expertise about ! Everyone here is always willing to help ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jef7757 10 #11 Posted May 21, 2021 Here is a picture of my RJ before I began taking it apart. It has a rough paint job so I am going to strip it and redo it right this time. Thanks for all the advice! I will get the bushing and seals kit and keep you all updated as I fix it! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,740 #12 Posted May 21, 2021 You certainly have an excellent specimen there. If you are going for the original look, those wheels and seat are way too white. The seat and the wheels would be Linen Beige. Photo Courtesy of Mike'sRJ 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #13 Posted May 21, 2021 WH red is I believe restoleum Regal Red 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jef7757 10 #14 Posted May 22, 2021 Just curious, can anyone identify what type of engine I have? It’s a Koehler but I have never seen another RJ with a pull start that you have to wrap rope around to pull. Also what is that best way to paint the tractor, spray paint? Thanks for all the help! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,740 #15 Posted May 22, 2021 Looks like there is an engine ID tag on the front left. Tell us what is on the tag. K-90 3.5 hsp was one of the factory options. That seat spring is on backwards also. Can you show us a picture of the tractor from the right side, especially the engine / transmission fan belt area?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #16 Posted May 22, 2021 (edited) @jef7757 Kohler's have an engine stamp above/behind the pulley on the block, should start with a K like Stevasaurus mentioned. I have seen several RJ, where you have wrap rope around before starting Edited May 22, 2021 by Maxwell-8 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jef7757 10 #17 Posted May 29, 2021 I apologize, I became really busy with finals. The stamp says K91. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jef7757 10 #18 Posted May 29, 2021 What is the best way to paint a wheel horse for the best shine? I do not have any air sprayers or anything special. Will spray paint do the trick? I am going to strip down to bare metal and prime before I paint. Also just wondering if there are any videos on how to do the axel bushings on an RJ58? Thanks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,740 #19 Posted May 29, 2021 My videos, that I posted the links to earlier in this thread will show you how to do those bushings. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jef7757 10 #21 Posted May 30, 2021 I must be missing the part where you install the bushings. Do I put them in to case then put my axel through? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,740 #22 Posted May 30, 2021 Yes, you tap them in with a piece of wood and hammer. They need to be flush with the axle housing. Once in try putting in your axle for a fit adjustment. The axle probably will not go all the way in. The bushing bulks up from tapping it in. You will have to home it some to fit the axle. You want it to slip in easily, but not sloppy. What will happen, if you do not get the right fit, the axle, differential will be so tight that the axles will not turn when you put the last side on. You will then have to take it all apart and hone the bushings a little more. I'll see if I can find the video or pictures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,740 #23 Posted May 30, 2021 Sorry, I posted the same thread twice. I fixed that...see below thread and go to page 4 post 96 for pictures of those axle bearings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,740 #24 Posted May 30, 2021 Click on this thread and go to page 4 post 96. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jef7757 10 #25 Posted June 1, 2021 Completed installing the bushing kit and started painting!!! Should I use some kind of clear coat? If so, what do you recommend? I was working fast today and didn't have time to stop for pictures but I will take some when the project is complete. Thanks for all the help! - John 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
