vogli 86 #1 Posted June 22, 2021 The first in a long list of "maintenance that should have been done a long time ago", is to replace the shifter boot on my 1973 12 HP Wheel Horse. My transmission oil is brown, and clearly has water in it (this is also obviously on the list). Simple silly question: The shifter knob on should just screw off, right? I can't seem to move it. I'm assuming that it is rusted or some such and some penetrating oil will help it along. Just thought I'd verify. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,861 #2 Posted June 22, 2021 Take a piece of leather, like a belt, wrap around the ball and use a pipe wrench or adjustable "water pump plyers" and unscrew the ball without marking the ball. It's not rusted, just on there tight. 8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,598 #3 Posted June 22, 2021 The threads in the knob are either brass or plastic. They will not rust, but the threads on the lever are steel and will rust. A squirt of PB Blaster and an overnight sit will loosen it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vogli 86 #4 Posted June 22, 2021 Thanks, I may try both Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,720 #5 Posted June 22, 2021 @vogli agree with above on the leather or similar to protect the ball while using large channel locks . use a razor blade to cut off the old boot and use dielectric grease in the new boot hole and on the shifter shaft for easy installation . also jack up your front end off ground to help drain out the crud more thoroughly . after you refill it , regularly recheck that trans oil , as it will be picking up the debris and residue from the water . often this turns out to be more than a single change . if it stays clear , you are good . pete 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #6 Posted June 22, 2021 Those rubber strap wrenches are good for this also.... 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,094 #7 Posted June 22, 2021 May pay to remove the shifter and check to see if the donut is welded or secured by a roll or split pin. The pins often are broken and could never figure out why. Perhaps it is the force required to remove the tight shifter balls that breaks them. The pin is all that holds the shifter from turning when it is still in the transmission. That may also be what breaks or weakens the dog-point set screw. Removing the shifter and securing it in a vise to remove the ball would be my choice. Garry 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
