doobin
Well-known member
You’re side loading the idler like that. Try tapping it sideways with that pressure on it.
V8Druid
do it as well as you can,but learn to do it better
that's dead ended ...
Goodwill Man
Member
Hello,
For educational purposes, I’d like to share an update about my ongoing project. In a moment of desperation, I decided to purchase a Porta Power tool, hoping it would help me overcome my current challenge. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as smoothly as I had anticipated. The tool couldn’t be used straight out of the box, and I spent a few days experimenting with some self-made attachments to make it work.
After much trial and error, I finally managed to move the idler slider about 4 cm. Encouraged by this small success, I created another attachment. By combining the power of the Porta Power tool with the force of a heavy sledgehammer, I was able to push the slider further out. However, for some reason, the slider didn’t come out completely—it got stuck again midway.
Currently, I can move the slider vertically up and down about 3 cm, but it won’t budge horizontally. It’s difficult to determine exactly what’s blocking its movement. My suspicion is that the push plate is a very tight fit in the sliding channel, and the accumulated rust and mud are preventing it from moving freely. Even with the 10-ton capacity of the Porta Power tool, the slider remains jammed. To make matters worse, the tool has started leaking oil, which presents another problem.
Although I’ve technically achieved enough movement to allow tensioning of the track, my goal is to completely remove the idler slider. This would allow me to thoroughly clean both the slider and the sliding channel.
While there’s been some progress, my struggle continues.
For educational purposes, I’d like to share an update about my ongoing project. In a moment of desperation, I decided to purchase a Porta Power tool, hoping it would help me overcome my current challenge. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as smoothly as I had anticipated. The tool couldn’t be used straight out of the box, and I spent a few days experimenting with some self-made attachments to make it work.
After much trial and error, I finally managed to move the idler slider about 4 cm. Encouraged by this small success, I created another attachment. By combining the power of the Porta Power tool with the force of a heavy sledgehammer, I was able to push the slider further out. However, for some reason, the slider didn’t come out completely—it got stuck again midway.
Currently, I can move the slider vertically up and down about 3 cm, but it won’t budge horizontally. It’s difficult to determine exactly what’s blocking its movement. My suspicion is that the push plate is a very tight fit in the sliding channel, and the accumulated rust and mud are preventing it from moving freely. Even with the 10-ton capacity of the Porta Power tool, the slider remains jammed. To make matters worse, the tool has started leaking oil, which presents another problem.
Although I’ve technically achieved enough movement to allow tensioning of the track, my goal is to completely remove the idler slider. This would allow me to thoroughly clean both the slider and the sliding channel.
While there’s been some progress, my struggle continues.
V8Druid
do it as well as you can,but learn to do it better
looks to be jammed over to the left side - try clamping it over to the right as you appear to be pushing it on the right side only with the porta foot
T whiting
Well-known member
Knock it back in with the sledgehammer then try pulling it out again it'll slacken any rust that's built up
Bri963
Well-known member
What’s the hex bar across the gap and is it stopping removal?
Goodwill Man
Member
This is exactly what I am trying to do—push it back and pull it out again. I’ve attempted this several times, but it hasn’t resolved the issue. I suspect that the sliding channel (part of the frame) may have been damaged, causing it to become narrower and block the push plate. Forcing it through now would require an enormous amount of pressure, which exceeds capacity of my Porta Power tool.
As for the hex bar, I inserted it myself through a hole in the frame while searching for a pressure point to push the slider out. However, it doesn’t make any difference now. It’s not obstructing the slider; it just sits there freely.
As for the hex bar, I inserted it myself through a hole in the frame while searching for a pressure point to push the slider out. However, it doesn’t make any difference now. It’s not obstructing the slider; it just sits there freely.
Goodwill Man
Member
Finally, I completely removed the idler slider. However, during the process, the push plate separated from the rod, and the spring shot out of the mechanism. Upon closer inspection of the plate, I noticed that it was bent. I believe this was the reason it was so difficult to remove the slider.
Now, I have two options: purchase a new plate with the rod or attempt to repair the old one. Recompressing and refitting the spring will present an additional challenge.
Now, I have two options: purchase a new plate with the rod or attempt to repair the old one. Recompressing and refitting the spring will present an additional challenge.
V8Druid
do it as well as you can,but learn to do it better
in pretty decent condition that --- in fact I'd go so far as to say relatively new ... need to have a look in the frame for any thing likely to snag that slider plate (which is why I'd guess it let go) - and maybe why it's bent ? 
not the greatest of welds, but looks like the parent material hung on as long as it could
not the greatest of welds, but looks like the parent material hung on as long as it could
diggerjones
Well-known member
It's hard to believe that's beeb as stuck as it has been. At least you have it out
Goodwill Man
Member
Hello,
I just wanted to share an update: my struggle with the track tensioner is finally over! I completely removed the tensioner, repaired the push plate, installed the coil spring, and thoroughly cleaned the slider channel. To ensure it moves freely, I had to grind about 0.5 millimeter off both sides of the slider with a grinder.
The track is now reinstalled and properly adjusted for tension.
On this occasion, I’d also like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
I just wanted to share an update: my struggle with the track tensioner is finally over! I completely removed the tensioner, repaired the push plate, installed the coil spring, and thoroughly cleaned the slider channel. To ensure it moves freely, I had to grind about 0.5 millimeter off both sides of the slider with a grinder.
The track is now reinstalled and properly adjusted for tension.
On this occasion, I’d also like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
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