t20 diamond shifter pin replacement

[steve001hsd]

I have a diamond shifter out of a t20 that the pin had a flat spot. I removed the pin and have a replacement but it is loose enough to slip out of the hole and will fall into the trans. I tried to press it with my press and my vise. It is still loose. not sloppy in the hole but will slide out too easily. Do I need to use something such as jb weld or similar to keep it snug or should it press fit in and hold? FYI there is some type of grey "putty" in the bottom of the pin hole already. I dug some out with a pick and it feels like plumbers putty. I am not sure but it seems to be there to hold the pin from dropping out.

[Toys4Me]

I use blue locktite on mine so I can change them when I need to.

[steve001hsd]

Thanks. I feel foolish now for not thinking of that myself. I dont suppose you know what grade metal the pin is? I was going to make a few spares but I dont know if its cold roll, drill stock, ect?

[msafi65]

The pins are 1/4" roller bearings. I have used hardened dowel pins with good results.

[tbone9]

How are these pins originally held in? And what's the best way to remove the broken pin? Can they be drilled out or heated and pulled out?

[msafi65]

New ones are press fit. If the pin is above the surface I place a small piece of metal arround the pin and weld a bump on it. Then weld a pull bolt to that and heat until pin is anealed. If you try to pull when still hard they break easily. If they are broken below the surface I usually drill a new hole 180 degrees off and use on other side. Once in a while I get one out with the stud welder and heat.

[tbone9]

Thanks for the speedy reply.