Branson 3510 Motor Issue

[Zork]

I would replace that rod. That bearing appears to have the locating notches missing (due to spin?) and it appears from the photo the bearing is so worn it looks like it incorporates a thrust surface (which according to the Branson electronic diagram I observed the rod bearing should be straight across).
Anyway, the rod journal may be out of round now and the cost to replace it is minimal since it is already out of the engine and in your hand. You may have an additional problem, however. That bearing may have been oil starved and I would check all bearings down stream (rear main?). The lubrication system must be thoroughly checked in order to pinpoint the cause of failure, which may be a blocked oil passage, an improperly installed bearing upstream or its present position, an oil pump malfunction, etc.

 

[DavesTractor]

The first post on this thread mentioned that the tractor had been significantly overheated. That probably contributed to the failure. Make sure you pull the radiator and get it cleaned.

 

[Zork]

Any updates?

 

[Wadmalaw]

I'm waiting on some parts to come in. I've gotten everything but 2 rod bearings and those are on back-order from Branson. If any of you guys have them in stock I'll order them from you right away.

Or, if you're aware of another place to source the bearings let me know..

 

[Wadmalaw]

Finally got all of my parts in, thanks to Steen Equipment in Ravenel, SC. Flex-hone gets here tomorrow, then I'll spend the weekend re-assembling everything. Wish me luck.

 

[Wadmalaw]

Success! Spent the weekend putting everything back together and fired her off yesterday. Idled for around an hour with no problems, plan on changing the oil and filter, then running another 10 hours. At that time, I'll re-check the torque on all head bolts, valve clearances, and will also pull the inspection plate on the oil pan and have a look at everything in there just to be sure.

Just to re-cap everything including costs:

Injector cleaning / testing $127.76
3 sets of rod bearings @ $11.42 ea.
3 ring sets @ 57.25 ea.
1 rod assembly @ $107.19 ea.
Head Gasket 1 @ $85.00 (I think)
Bore honer (Flex-hone) $50

So - around $575 - Plus oil / lubricants

 

[Zork]

Whooohoooo!!!!

Congratulations to you and thanks to all who contributed to Wadmalaw's success.

Now, if that job was done properly you just saved yourself somewhere around $6500. Don't forget to celebrate and take your loved ones out for a little snack somewhere.

 

[DavesTractor]

Success! Spent the weekend putting everything back together and fired her off yesterday. Idled for around an hour with no problems, plan on changing the oil and filter, then running another 10 hours. At that time, I'll re-check the torque on all head bolts, valve clearances, and will also pull the inspection plate on the oil pan and have a look at everything in there just to be sure.

Just to re-cap everything including costs:

Injector cleaning / testing $127.76
3 sets of rod bearings @ $11.42 ea.
3 ring sets @ 57.25 ea.
1 rod assembly @ $107.19 ea.
Head Gasket 1 @ $85.00 (I think)
Bore honer (Flex-hone) $50

So - around $575 - Plus oil / lubricants

OK, you are hired. When can you start?

 

[Wadmalaw]

Yes - thanks to all of you guys that contributed advice. I did yell out a big whoohooo when that sucker started up!

 

[Wadmalaw]

Not so fast... after work I changed oil and filter, cranked up, idling with no problem. Took the tracter out for a short run, got up to 2000 rpm and loud tapping noise returned, stayed there when back to idle. Suffice to say I'm pissed. So, I'll open it back up and see if something I replaced might have failed.. stay tuned.