First tractor, did i get burned? ym2000 cracked block....

[c low]

Drained a small amount of oil from the crankcase into a jar and let it sit an hour. Nothing but oil, it appears that I have no cross-contamination going on. Things are looking better

 

[Gale Hawkins]

You have operated the tractor enough to indicate no serious issues I expect.

If it was dumped full of radiator stop leak would continue to fill and drain with water over and over. I like the six hour run time max radiator cleaners. They also protect the cooling system when running plain water.

 

[Car Doc]

Drained a small amount of oil from the crankcase into a jar and let it sit an hour. Nothing but oil, it appears that I have no cross-contamination going on. Things are looking better

Water will go to the bottom so sounds like a good sign you probably have no cracks into the crankcase. Normally letting something sit overnight will settle any water out, a few days is better. But just cracking the drain plug will let any water out if there is any it will come out first. hth

 

[MSST8DOG]

I have been reading your post. I bought an old farmall super A once that had a cracked block. Did not know it for the first year. I was rebuilding my carb and while removing it, I noticed something on the engine (turned out to be silicone caulk) and pulled if off. Coolant immediately started running out of the revealed crack. I was rather upset, but being a reasonable guy, I knew my coolant / oil was not being contaminated, so I took a side grinder with a twisted wire wheel and cleaned the area. I then took a grinder rock on said side grinder and very lightly removed about 1/16th inch of material until I had a fairly smooth groove in place of the crack. I then drained the fluid from the system and waited until I got off work the next day. I cleaned the area with brake cleaner / carb cleaner / alcohol, mixed up some JB weld and applied it and let is sit for about three days to cure. I used that tractor with no issues at all for 5 years before I let a friend talk me out of it. I replaced it with a YM2000. I gave $1500 for it with a 5' bushhog, 4' bushhog, 4' disk, 4' boxblade, and a dirt scoop. While I miss my Super A, I came out way ahead...

 

[Gale Hawkins]

MSST8DOG thanks for covering how you successfully fixed the cracked engine block with JB Weld.

 

[0xbeef]

Hi all. Here it is, 2015 and I am looking at the same dilemma, except I have not bought the tractor yet. I am looking at a YM2000 with a FEL. Local guy who sells used farm stuff wants $3800 for it. Engine starts and runs well. No sign of water in the oil, but coolant just runs out of the badly JB Weld repaired crack. Claims he just got it and did not know about the issue. He says he will have his mechanic look at it and get back to me. I am considering making a offer on it as is. Is there any such thing as a short block for these tractors? Also the clutch does not completely disengage. Is this an adjustment issue, or something more serious like with a hydraulic clutch? TIA for the communities input.

 

[sdkubota]

Clutch normally can be easily adjusted unless the clutch plate is worn too badly. Normally around 1" of free play on the peddle is all there should be. An inch either way can make a big difference. As far as the JB welded block...I would run away or realize you are going to have to replace it and make sure the deal is that good. Others may disagree but a cast block is not repairable in my mind or at the least considered that way for negotiating.

 

[kenmac]

cracked block is enough for me to stay away..Sort block.. I doubt it,but If you were to find a used engine.. It's probably going to be expensive

 

[California]

YM2000 with a FEL. Local guy who sells used farm stuff wants $3800 for it.

coolant just runs out of the badly JB Weld repaired crack.

Claims he just got it and did not know about the issue.

Also the clutch does not completely disengage

Adjusting a clutch is simple. If the prior owner couldn't adjust it back to working properly then assume the worst.

This seller bought it and didn't know of the repairs needed. Now the problems are recognized and he doesn't want to take the loss that this indicates, he wants to pass the loss along to you instead. Run away! Sounds like he wouldn't accept the fully-discounted value of what it is worth in this condition. $3800 is a fair but not exceptional price if it were free of problems.

 

[sixdogs]

These guys are right. Steer clear of this tractor. Not only will you pay too much but the cost of all the parts added up will likely be more than the price of a newer tractor in excellent condition. I understand the need to rescue equipment, and I have done it myself, but this deal looks like a money and frustration pit.