Cub 149 Hydro Transmission
 

Is it a big deal to take separate the hydro transmission pump so it can be painted and sanded easily? Would like to keep the aluminum bare and paint the cast piece. Is it as easy as taking the cover off and replace the gasket? The manual was talking about 2 bearings that reside in the cast cover that protrude .1 inch. Do these have to be replaced or do anything special with them?
I am in the middle of a complete restoration on my 149. Just got the new piece welded on the trunion and the coupler for the driveshaft repaired so there is no slop on the pump end.
I read the posts everyday, but do not post often! Any thoughtswould be appreciated.
Mark:bigthink:

NO...The Hydro Pump is held to the transmission by I think six bolts. Simply remove these bolts and the pump will separate from the transmission. The Sundstrand Hydro should NOT be painted. Paint won't allow for the heat dissipation. Once the Hydro Pump is cleaned up, and the rear end painted, install a new gasket and bolt the pump back on.

The bearings should be no issue. Simply protect them and keep clean.

Just to clarify, are we talking about separating the pump and transaxle (easy) or separating the cast iron front part of the hydro pump from the aluminum case (not worth the trouble)?

If it's the latter, I would just carefully wire wheel the iron part, and then use a rust converter on it, and then mask off the aluminum part and then prime/paint.

Matt,
The later part is what I am thinking. Separating the cast iron portion from the aluminum is what I had in mind. I think I will stick to wire wheeling only.

Paint stripper and rust converter will probably do you just fine, too. Be careful with the wire wheel around aluminum parts, it WILL scratch them.