beenthere,
Yes, you are correct. It would have been nice to have included all of my questions in one thread. Maybe I will start now.
I purchased the tractor on auction last summer, thinking that it would be a useful, cheap source of hp for some of the tasks I had planned on our farm: plowing, disking, shredding, maybe cutting and baling hay at some point. I am not a mechanic nor do I have significant "tractor experience". I try and learn quickly, enjoy listening to what others have to say and have an excellent local jd mechanic who has been invaluable.
From the beginning, there were issues: namely difficult starting. I checked the batteries, replaced the alternator and pulley, rebuilt the starter but none fixed the issue. I realized quickly that the engine had been worn out and had it overhauled (including flywheel and head machining) by a local jd mechanic. While the front of the tractor was split, I took the opportunity to do the following:
- got the radiator and oil cooler cleaned out
- bought a new water pump and pulley(I cracked the housing in the old one trying to press out the bearing)
- rebuilt leaking fuel lines, put in a new booster pump, put in new injectors and boots
- rebuilt the water manifold, replaced thermostats and water temp gauge
- replaced tachometer and cable
- welded the exhaust manifold, replaced the muffler
- rebuilt the seat suspension mechanism, replaced the seat
- my mechanic also rebuilt the hydraulic pump, replaced the clutch and throw-out bearing
At this point, the tractor appeared to be running really well but with the increased hyd pressure, everything started leaking oil - this bothered me. I proceeded to rebuild: all diff and brake lines, brake valve, diff valve, steering cylinders, tie-rod boots, break-away couplers. The biggest leak (maybe a bucket of oil a day or so) coming from the bottom cover in clutch housing persisted. In addition, the shifting was really difficult. I fixed the connecting rods and rebuilt the shifting mechanism, but this only helped with shifting into low-range gears. Also the 3-point hitch was either all the way at the top or bottom.
Currently the tractor is at the mechanics, split between transmission and clutch housing. The shifters, synchronizers and housing seals are being replaced. I also have been working on rebuilding the rockshaft valve. I have included some photos below. In the future, I will try and document with photos as I go. I appreciate everyone's input as to what else may need to be looked at.
at the start
after initial paint
