Recent content by rustystud

On a sadder note, I know most of you know that "Tom Woldt" passed away a few months ago. He and I were working on finding parts for the 303M HydraMatic transmission. In fact he was going through his inventory for me when he died. I didn't realize he had passed for awhile since he told me to give...

Since tearing down all these 303M HydraMatics I've come across several things of interest. The number one being what is the difference between a 302M and a 303M unit. We know that the military had durability problems with the 302M . The question has always been "why" ? Over time I have found...

Another thing I need to mention is when installing the rear band you need to "screw" down (tighten) the "band strut" all the way and then back off half a turn. When you go to adjust the rear band the "strut" must be in this position for proper operation of the "automatic" adjuster. These are...

I'm in the process of rebuilding another 303M HydraMatic transmission. When I installed the rear pump discharge pipe, I noticed a small hole had been drilled in it. I've seen this before. I "assume" some rebuilders did this to prevent high reduction pressures. That is the worst thing you can do...

Today I'm giving out a little "tech" tip. I mentioned earlier how I'm reusing the four lip seals used in the reduction unit as they are no longer available from anyone. I also mentioned that I soak them in a solution. I forgot to mention what that solution is. So here it is. You might need to...

I have some bad news for our Canadian M135 owners. It appears that the HydraMatic 303M transmissions output shaft (actually the midshaft the one missing the bushing) was not fully machined out. I bought five 303M transmissions at "100 Mile House" in Canada last summer. Everyone had an unfinished...

Thank you Sir ! And yes that is the correct pinion seal I was referring to. Also, I look forward to seeing you in person this June. Already have a co-pilot roped in to help.

Thought I would share this great find. A brand new, still in the "cosmoline" oil cooler. This was the first time I opened it. Just needs cleaning and it's good to go. It's really fun to find surprises like this still out there. Now if I only could score some NOS large wave springs and maybe...

Totally agree. :(

Well we've come to the end of the 303M rebuild. These last two items are all that is needed to finish the rebuild. I know the "fluid coupling is not installed, but since this transmission is going into storage you do not want the coupling and the insides of the transmission open to dust and...

I'll send you a private message.

You guys back East get all the good deals !

Went to the machinist today to pick up some new parts he made for me. We talked about the throttle shaft and now he believes he can make one out of 303 stainless steel. We also talked about making new pump vanes. He has some tool steel that might work, but they still need to be hardened to 60...

Took the transmission off the holder today. Now I just need to put on the "fly wheel housing" and "fluid coupling" and some other small items like a new governor line to the reduction valve.

I wish I was close enough to buy it for me !