It's a sad day

Four Angels · Oct 28, 2014

Hello all

I am new to this forum but I see a wealth of information on here..thanks to all who post. My husband and I currently own a John Deere LT150 and have had it since about 1999. I absolutely love my tractor and yard work is my therapy.

Yesterday while picking up leaves the tractor kept bogging. When I would turn the tray off, it would stop bogging and run normal. I pulled it into the drive way to dump a load and when I turned it back on there was a very loud clicking sound followed by a bang. Long story short, my husband found a very large crack in the engine block.

Yes, there was oil in it. In fact it drained all over the drive and my husband said the dip stick had oil on it as well.

What in the world would have caused this? We just had it serviced in May and I am currently looking for the receipt to see the exact work that was done. Maybe that will shed some light.

A friend suggested we just replace the engine block. Is this something that is common? Financially wise to replace the block or better off buying new?

I have attached a photo of the crack. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated as we don't know what to do at this point.

patchnball · Oct 28, 2014

I would suggest a new tractor. Cost more to short block than the tractor is worth.

bigtiller · Oct 28, 2014

You now have what I would call a "parts tractor". Tell your dealer you have a trade in, and go shopping for another.

troutsqueezer · Oct 28, 2014

Wow.

MoKelly · Oct 28, 2014

Welcome to TBN. I agree with the other comments --- it is not worth fixing this tractor for that damage. I suppose 15 years out of that tractor is reasonable.

Find a new tractor and continue your therapy! Good luck.

MoKelly

beenthere · Oct 28, 2014

As it has been a good tractor, sounds like you have a good reason to move up to another new one. Everything has a limit to its "life" span.

Can't see any good reason that the block would have split apart like that, but what is done, is done. Not the kind of thing an annual checkup is likely to show a cause either.
Being air-cooled, possibly dust and maybe even a mouse nest in the cooling fins and engine shroud didn't allow for adequate cooling.

Like our own bodies, no way to tell what tomorrow will bring. So enjoy today to its fullest.

flyerdan · Oct 28, 2014

It sounds like it flung a rod, that's usually what causes a break like that. Especially with the loss of power and noises prior to, a big end bearing probably seized. If you like that particular model and have the room, I'd search craigslist for one just like it so you have a bunch of spare parts on hand.

zzvyb6 · Oct 28, 2014

There once was an LT150,
Who's owners thought it was quite nifty.
But the block got a crack
From a connecting rod whack.
For maintenance, it's not wise to be thrifty.

They don't like to be overheaten.
From grass, mud, twigs and leaves beaten.
If you get a new block,
the same problems will flock.
When choosing the oil don't be cheatin'...

Burma Shave.

Baby Grand · Oct 28, 2014

flyerdan said:
It sounds like it flung a rod, that's usually what causes a break like that. Especially with the loss of power and noises prior to, a big end bearing probably seized. If you like that particular model and have the room, I'd search craigslist for one just like it so you have a bunch of spare parts on hand.

That was my first thought, too.
I destroyed an engine on a not too old Craftsmen. Bought a whole replacement B&S engine for it from these guys:
Engines
The whole engine cost less than the parts to fix the old one. When I took it out of the box, it had Deere stickers on it. Installation was easy and it salvaged a $2000 investment for about $550. We got another year out of it and were able to get some money for it when we replaced it with the G5200.
So replacing the engine is an option, and a good one if you want to keep the tractor or really don't want one of the new ones.

tcreeley · Oct 28, 2014

That is too bad. One starts the day hopeful for what will be accomplished. No one need another of life's little lessons. Good luck. Get a new one if you can.
I had a dodge pickup throw a rod through the side of the engine once (3 " hole). Then it caught fire and burned the windshield and dash. The joke was that you could still turn the key and start the engine and it would stay running. I was in denial and kept putting off a decision on what to do.
I finally replaced it. I'd do that with your tractor.....Or as someone said- replace the entire engine if the tractor is in good shape. Move on to the next day!
Good luck!