Powermaster 861 engine rebuild

badss98 · Apr 26, 2014

Well she started with a rod knock just a few weeks ago so it seems as the motor will need a rebuild. I have not pulled the pan and it has run very little since noise started. My question is what do you think I should expect a rebuild should cost me. I know this is somewhat vague because prices vary but i am located in lower michigan so if anyone can give some ideas it would be appreciated. The motor is 172cu.in. Also if anyone could recommend someone that would be great near adrian mi. Thanks

Soundguy · Apr 26, 2014

depends on what you want done.. are you renewing bores ( sleave, etc ).. or just honing, re-ringing, tossing in new main and rod bearings and lapping valves.

all depends.

Figuring average machine shop costs and a kit if you do the entire job and don't have any hard parts to repalce.. just polishing..e tc. I can easiily see 500$ in parts and 1k$ in services if you encounter no issues.. that's you stripping the block and taking it in.

if head needs extensive work.. bump that , same with oil pump.

if the cam and crank and flywheel ring gear need down.. do clutch too. can get to be 2500$ etc. Don't forget all new main seals and tranny input shaft seal..e tc. )

badss98 · Apr 27, 2014

Thanks soundguy, I am really just wanting to get her running again. When purchased the proofmeter never worked so hours are unknown but hopefully the rod knock has not done to much damage. I suppose i would want a basic rebuild. And yes the clutch would be replaced also. I was hoping not to do teardown myself but it looks as if i may have to based on your cost estimates. Putting 2500 into a 3800 tractor does not seem to make good sense .

RickB · Apr 27, 2014

badss98 said:
Putting 2500 into a 3800 tractor does not seem to make good sense .

But that's where you are heading if all you are going to do is write checks. "Rod knock" means crankshaft damage to me, but I'm one of the resident cynics. Anyone who values their reputation isn't going to cut corners to save money if the result will end up getting tossed back in their face. Good, Cheap, or Fast, pick any two.

Kirk-NJ · Apr 28, 2014

Drop the pan for a look see. If you don't what to get involved with a rebuild you can always switch out the motor. I've always had good luck with power units like off an irrigation pump or old chuck and duck.
Like this one on CL. Although the price on this one is higher than what I normally would price but the hours are usually low on these units.
Ford Tractor Engine 172 Cu. In.
Or you could look around for a tractor with a problem/dead SOS that has a good engine.
Just a couple more options for you. After all if the clutches need replacement that will cost a good chunk of change.

Kirk

badss98 · Apr 29, 2014

Ok today a had a chance to drop oil pan and there was a connecting rod bearing bolt laying in the bottom of the oil pan, So i am going to pull the other nut and remove bearing and inspect for damage and maybe i will have a little luck and just need to replace bolts.I do plan on replacing both bolts because the other may have been weakened. When this started i shut her down right away and have only run her to move her back maybe 20 feet so i am praying to the tractor gods that i might have avoided any damage.

Soundguy · Apr 29, 2014

If it was my tractor, the rod journal would be beat square...

sotty. not being cynical... just telling you to expect the worst .. cuz it only gets better from there.

RickB · Apr 29, 2014

Soundguy said:
If it was my tractor, the rod journal would be beat square...

sotty. not being cynical... just telling you to expect the worst .. cuz it only gets better from there.

My first dealership experience was as shop foreman to a guy (who taught me more than he ever knew) who had been service manager for 25 years. His favorite saying:
"Don't worry, Ricky, it goes along like this for a while, then gets worse."

Soundguy · Apr 29, 2014

RickB said:
My first dealership experience was as shop foreman to a guy (who taught me more than he ever knew) who had been service manager for 25 years. His favorite saying:
"Don't worry, Ricky, it goes along like this for a while, then gets worse."

yup.. that's how replacing a 13$ front main on my farmall F turned into well over a couple hundred bucks by the time i factored in breaking the crank pulley, and finding more stuff needing attention, the more i pulled the front of the engine and bolster down.