Went to adjust my tracks by first removing cover plates to reveal adjusters and... found both compartments nearly full of water and mud. ***??? I would have supposed some provision for self draining (like a hole in the bottom of compartment) would have been incorporated into the design. The machine has not run in water or even mud for at least 5 years but does sit outside. I don't suppose the water hurts anything, but it can't be good. Actually, the rods inside the compartment and mostly underwater look like new as opposed to the exposed ends of the rods. Input???
Drain or pump the water out. The mud can become a problem if it covers the spring completely. It will cause the idler extension rods to break. The chamber should be water tight and dry. If the idlers can't be forced back and compress the springs the springs need to be removed, housing cleaned out and cracks in the housings repaired. Later Bob
Easy way to see whether or not the idlers are moving back and forth on the recoil mechanism. Put a piece of round steel bar about 1.5" diameter and approx. 1 foot long in the sprocket. Back the machine up carefully until you get tension on the tracks and while doing so have someone watch the idler for movement to the rear.
I'm wondering if I should seal the covers on with silicone. Removing water and mud and grease was messy, but uneventful. As far as draining, how does one accomplish that task? Is there a drain plug somewhere that I'm not aware of? Enlighten me, please.
There is no drain plug for that compartment. You have to either suck the water out or mop it using a sponge or something similar. The idea is that it's sealed by the cover therefore nothing should get in.