st4 loose spline solution

[KRC]

I think we came up with a solution to tighten up loose splines.
First a new nut was made with pilot holes for drilling half way into the axle splines and hub housing.
We put the bearing on and the seal spacer and tightened the unit up with the new nut to make sure the axle was perpendicular to drum
My friend has a milling machine with a 90 degree attachment for drilling. The unit was clamped in place and he drilled 8 -3/16 inch holes into the hub and spline stopping about an 1/8 of an inch from the spacer on the other side. We will put 3/16 inch pins in the holes. The holes go in about 1 3/4 th inches. We racked our brains pretty hard about how to deal with loose splines and I think this should be a permanent solution.

 

[dansvan]

What happens when you need to tighten the nut to take up bearing slop? Shims? Let us know how it turns out.

 

[KRC]

The pins are only in the the drum basically replacing the splines however there are a few splines left after drilling, we will put the regular nut back on. The new nut was made just to use as a pilot and draw everything together tight for proper alignment when drilling.

 

[couchloafer]

Is there a list started to borrow the alignment nut yet?

 

[dansvan]

Ahh. I see said the blind man. Looks good.

 

[Lyndon]

The "REAL FIX" would be to have both the Axel and the Drum Hardened. They are both realitively soft. Hardening isn't very expensive it's just a matter of finding a place that does 'Heat Treating'. Also one could have Spline to Spline inserts made, sort of the equivalent to a Heli-Coil in Spline. I had saved a bunch of worn drums and shafts intending to try this as my supply of New Drums ran out. Originally I was having New Shafts Machined, then took them to a Gear cutting specialists, then back to the machine shop for some final 'trim' work. The cost was running about 200$ but that was 10 years ago. The 'Heat Treating' place I used to deal with has since closed up and/or moved away. I had some other pieces heat treated and it wasn't very expensive. If you attempt to do this make sure you have the "Cut Sheet" or Batch Lot Data sheets from the supplier for the heat treating people so that they know what they are starting out with.
As far as the Drums go, they looked expensive to cast and machined so I had planned to have these reworked by the addition of an insert. These drums are VW size, but VW ones won't have the 'Ears' (7) to carry the sprockets. As they are cast, adding them on would be nearly impossible. A castng mold would cost over a thousand dollars, then after casting they would have to go to a spline & gear cutting place, then have some trim machining done and the 7 bolt holes lined up and drilled out. Could turn out to be quite expensive.

 

[couchloafer]

Here are a few pictures of what I believe to be the re-worked splines Lyndon spoke of (please correct me if I am wrong). Pictures are courtesy of Dave Meisner who currently has the part shown. I have also included a picture of a spring/summer hood he fabricated for warm weather use. Dave is missing the heat shields, like most of us are, on the front of the engine. He merely rapped the muffler and exhaust with a heat shield material and claims he no longer has any overheating issues. Wish I had taken a picture of that. Maybe Dave can pipe in with some pictures or comments??? I would love to bring a snow trac down next winter and take a run Dave, what do you say??

 

[dmeisner]

We are always eager to have fellow cat enthusiasts here in northern Nevada. I have contemplated using this area as a location for the "snowcat fest" thrown back and forth here on the forums. I think it would serve as a nice central location for folks coming out of Idaho, California and western NV. We host the National Cowboy Poetry Festival the end of January each year here in Elko. This is quite an event that draws folks from around the world. It would be great to hit the alpine during the day and take in the entertainment in the evenings. Were we discussing spline repairs?

 

[couchloafer]

Snowcats and Cowboy Poetry, now there is a combination. I bet Mikey will be first on the list........What the hell sign me up....Dave if find out the date and are willing to have a few of us hanging around I will be there!

 

[Melensdad]

I like the concept of the Spring & Summer mesh hood. That is a neat idea. But are you doing anything to the tracks to make them more suitable for use on grass, etc? I've got to be very careful when I drive in fields so I don't walk out of my tracks.

 

[dmeisner]

I use the mesh hood for spring skiing conditions. I only run on snow, so a track change is not necessary. I have also fit the mesh hood with a canvas cover that I can use if conditions change.

On the second note, rooms for the festival fill fast. Parking and potential evening repair issues are covered at my place. Lodging is available at several places. A new joint called skyview lodge opened this year near the mountains. There is an excellent restaurant, great parking, bar and limited lodging. I will have to check the chamber of commerce for festival dates.

 

[dmeisner]

www.westernfolklife.org
Info on the Gathering. Dates are January 24-31, 2009. Check out the website for a taste of what is offered. More of a celebration of western life than simply poetry. There should be plenty of snow for running the cats at this time of year. The skiing should be superb for those interested. The Gathering makes for a full family affair. Food for thought. Info for a different thread for sure.