Ferret Fluid Flywheel rebuild

[Robin Craig]

So, our local whizzo machinist knocked up a plug for us to use in the pressure test of the assembled fluid flywheel so last Wednesday night that was installed and she held 40 Psi for 15 minutes as per the manual and we are delighted.

There will be some frantic cleaning and painting this Tuesday so we can go back in with the pack hopefully.

We do have one other piece of news that I am very excited about and all Ferret owners should be as well as things for all of us are about to improve, but that will have to wait for a few days or maybe a week. Sworn to secrecy.

I have sent off the End User paperwork required for some spares that blindsided me, honestly that system is laughable.

The gearbox and engine are back together now, fluids checked, everyone should pay attention to their gearbox and transfer case dipsticks and the galleries in them, they get gummed up over time and need to be cleaned.

[Sam Assad]

now am intrigued to know the news :-)

[Robin Craig]

The news will delayed by a bit more than a week, maybe even a month, no I am not pregnant, despite rumours. I'm just fat.

You will just have to wait Sam.

[Tim Kelly]

Thanks greatly for the wealth of info you shared on the flywheel!! I need your help though. I purchased two new drain plugs and washers. In replacing one, I failed to notice that the initial threads were molded improperly and I stripped 1/4" of the threads on the flywheel. I retapped the remaining threads and recut the plug so both are good now... except that I am missing first 1/4" of threads on the female side. Question, can I use a slightly longer drain plug (will replace both for balance) so that I can get a full grab of good threads? Is there enough open space in the flywheel to allow for such an idea or do I need to consider drilling out the remaining threads and using a helicoil to give me new ones? THANKS!!

[Tim Kelly]

By the way, for info sharing... the threads on the drain plugs are 1/2" x 14 British Parallel Pipe threads (commonly referenced as BSP and/or BPP). Just thought I would share if anyone is ever in my predicament!

[Robin Craig]

Tim,

I am unable to answer your question as I do not have enough technical knowledge on the subject. I don't have one handy to reference. It will be a while until I do as things are packed away somewhat at the moment.

I would heartily suggest posting this same question on the HMVF that has many technical folks and also speak or email with James Hill at the REME Depot in Texas, he is a good egg and very very technical. He has a day job. If you would like his email then ping my email and I will give it by return.

I look forward to hearing the results.

I would say that like algebra the fluid flywheel should have done to one side what you do to the other for the sake of balance, as upon close inspection these things are very finely balanced.

Robin

[Lynn Eades]

Back to the caged nut. Isn't that lip supposed to go into the hole, to center it for welding?

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Robin Craig

...

We do have one other piece of news that I am very excited about and all Ferret owners should be as well as things for all of us are about to improve, but that will have to wait for a few days or maybe a week. Sworn to secrecy.

I have sent off the End User paperwork required for some spares that blindsided me, honestly that system is laughable.

....

And ...?

I visited Ryan's Mk I at SFRC over the weekend. Don't feel left out Robin; I was tied to things that were happening at Queen's during the day. Apparently there are at least four Ferrets within close range of your locale. Time to set up a minor assembly line to rebuild everyone's fluid flywheels?

[Robin Craig]

Lynn,

to answer your comment, the lips doesnt work well with the OEM holes in a Ferret so I opted for grinding it off flush and using a few other tricks to centre it for welding.

Terry, yes I saw you on the Eastern Ontario security camera so knew you were in the hood but as I was busy it was fine that your breezed in and out!