Help removing an H engine

I have the owner's manual, serviceman's guide, parts catalog, IT manual, and engine service manual for the H, but none give instructions on engine removal. I have also visited the forum archives (advice varies greatly depending on the work to be done).

I purchased a 4000# capacity engine hoist and a 1250# capacity engine stand for the job.

Here is the plan I'm considering:

1-drain fluids, remove gas tank, radiator, oil pan, etc., etc, etc.

2-block back wheels & place cribbing under torque tube near rear of engine.

3-place cribbing under mid-engine & jack stands under rails.

4-raise front end an inch or two, remove lower bolster & front wheels, then remove upper bolster and front casting using hoist(I would like to clean and paint these while in pieces).

5-lower remaining back onto cribbing.

6-attach hoist to engine head bolts and draw lift chain snug.

7-remove engine bolts (including hidden bolt near starter)and pins.

8-remove engine

9-remove rails for sand blasting and painting

10-reassemble in reverse.

What do you guys think?

I really appreciate your advice, not only on this question but also for the innumerable others I've posted over the last few years. I couldn't have made the progress I have without you guys.

I have also noticed that the information contained in the manual differs a bit from some specs printed in the old original manuals. I assume this is beacuse the IT manual was printed later and so includes any revisions IH may have made after printing.

After the preliminaries (draining fluids, removing tinwork, wire harness, starter, radiator hoses, etc, and disconnecting fuel, oil, temp gage lines, air cleaner hose, etc) then…

1 – SAFETY FIRST! Securely chock both rear wheels against movement in both directions.

2 – Jack the tractor so the front wheels off the ground. Then securely crib/block under the clutch housing so the front end is cantilevered and supported at the clutch housing.

3 – Disconnect the steering shaft at the U joint. Loosen both frame rails at the clutch housing, then unbolt and remove the entire front end (bolster, front wheels and radiator) as a unit. Use your engine hoist for this – this assembly weights 600# or so and is TOP HEAVY! Set the front end aside - face down on a pallet is good. (Be careful not to bend or damage the steering shaft!)

4 – Unbolt and remove the side frame rails.

The next several steps are best done with the aid of an assistant….

5 – Position your engine hoist over the engine and draw it snug or a bit more. (But not so the clutch housing is lifted off the support blocking)

6 – Now remove the bolts that hold the engine to the clutch housing (including that bolt hidden ahead of the starter!)

7 – Finally lift and move the engine forward several inches until the clutch comes free of the splined tranny input shaft.

You've now got the engine free of the tractor. Have fun, but don't sacrifice safety to save a few minutes or a couple of $$!

I would be interested, drop me an e-mail.