982: Failed hydro. What's the diagnostic procedure?

[Wallknight]

Running just fine today, until all the sudden, the hydro gave out on me. The transmission lever went slack, and the rest of the hydro system won't function. It wants to, just seems like there's a linkage or something that won't engage. No strange sounds our anything; no leaks. What steps should I take to start narrowing down the problem?

[J-Mech]

Take the tunnel cover off and see if the input shaft is turning.

While your in there, look at the linkage. You'd be surprised what you may find by inspecting things first......

[Wallknight]

Will do. I looked from underneath and didn't see anything, but top down might be better. Something must be spinning, since its getting a tiny bit of power to the tranny.

[Wallknight]

AHHHH! Ok- tunnel off- where the drive shaft from the engine connects to the hydro, it has come loose. Its free-spinning on the hydro side. There's about 1" of hydro shaft spline visible, but the connector- the metal that goes on the splines and then connects to the rubbery disk - that is spinning freely from the splines.
What's the fix? Did I just loose a set screw? [looks like there's an empty set screw hole]

[J-Mech]

See what happens when you look. Should do that before running to the internet. Makes helping you easier when we know what you need. Always look and try to figure out what's wrong before posting. You might not need help if you do. Not that we don't want to help..... but it's better when you know what's actually wrong.

Sounds like you stripped the splines. Not good.

Take the driveshaft out and pull the coupler off. See if the splines on the input of the hydro are still ok. If so, new coupler and good to go. If not.... start looking for a used hydro and coupler. If your not sure what you need, disassemble it and post pics. We can look at what you have and give a recommendation for repairs.

[Wallknight]

Ok, so, got the coupler off. Looks like what happened, on the hydro side of the coupler, the roll pin fell out, the coupler shifted forward enough to start stripping. 1/2 of the COUPLER splines are stripped. thankfully, the hydro splines are only slightly worn, and should be ok.
New problem: where do I find a new hydro-side coupler?! Drive shaft couplers are available, but I'm not finding the splined hydro coupler anywhere.

What's the expert way of sourcing parts for these old beasts? Or, has someone developed a better coupling system?

I can post pics if need be.

[Sam Mac]

Check with member Jeff in PA, pretty sure he is making a replacement for the Arm AKA coupler.

[Sam Mac]

Just looked at the Cub parts site. Looks like it's still available. This is from the 982 parts call out.
719-3016
COUPLING-DR SHFT
Price $52.39
This is the ball bushing that goes in the center.
941-3004
Ball Bushing. Replaces Part Numbers 741-3004, 741-3004P, IH-106480-C1, IH-126361-C1
Price $27.05
You would need one of each.

This is from the 1872 parts call out and as far as I know they used the same setup. Not sure why the big difference in price.
903-1066
Arm with Bushing. Replaces Part Number 703-1066
Price $129.38

I think Oak would know for sure.

[Oak]

I'll be honest, IDK. I'm thinking the 982 one comes without the ball bushing but still at the 1000% mark up that they are getting for ball bushings it would still be cheaper to go that way instead of buying the 903-1066. Look at CC Warehouse, about 3/4 of the way down and you will see they are listed together.
http://ihccw.com/drive.html

I see that you checked with Jeff in PA and that would be your best way to go.

[Wallknight]

Turns out riesedesperado had one. Assuming that fits, I'm good. I'll be sending the busted one to Jeff so he has a model for measurments to make new ones.