Easier engine to work on diesel-gas

[uhmgawa]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My luck with small (lawn mower type) engines has not been especially good. Getting old ones going has always seemed a matter of luck as much as anything else.)</font>

I expect those things are designed to be trash can anchors
when they go south -- especially at the low end. Seems like
every cost reduction manufacturing trick in the book has
been used to eek the last cent out of production cost.

If you are in a bind, Foley Belsaw has a wide scattering
of rebuild parts.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

The first question to ask yourself is do I have the ability to do the repair. Second ,do I have the tools to do the job(torque wrench,micrometer,good set of hand tools).Third, do I know how to use these tools. Fourth, do you have a service manual and do you under stand it. Gas or diesel doesn't realy matter. All engines basicly have the same internal componets except for fuel and ignition systems.

 

[HGM]

Cliff,

Having been an automotive technician and instructor, I'm somewhat embarrased to say that I havent had any luck with small engines either...... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I agree with the other poster that says they are more of a throw away product when the take a dump.. As for a "REAL" engine, lets just say that you have no experience(not a bad thing). This way you can learn from scratch, not needing to repair any bad habbits. I would just look for the tractor that intrests you the most(dont worry about fuel type). As most others have stated, parts will be heavier and more expensive with diesel. On the other hand, there are less parts and systems to learn about with a gas engine, so I think it equals out.. Just make sure its a common brand you can get parts and manuals for....

At some point you'll need help, thats what makes this site so great is the vast knowledge available. I'll be asking about my Yanmar at some point because its different to me, remember the saying "a stupid question is the one not asked" and dont be too proud to admit you dont know something,it will be fun..

 

[Mickey_Fx]

For me I'd have to say they are just different not necessarily harder or easier that the other.

For shade tree mechanics I'd think a gas engine would be easier to deal with due to the injection on the diesel. Sorta hard working one the injection other than replacing parts due to the special tooks needed to diagnose problems. If you run out of fuel, the gas engine is going to be easier to get back running. I think I and Soundguy are thinking along the same lines here.

Newer gas engines are likely going to have some form of electronic ign so the days of point and timming changes are all but gone. For the home guy a carb is easier to deal with.

YMMV

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( at least you don't have to worry about condensors, points, spark plugs and the like.
)</font>

Whats the big deal with those? Youve got a debounced switch and a spark gap...??

Soundguy

 

[hudr]

Yeah, keeping up with those feeler guages and little bitty files was just too much of a hassle /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Yeah, keeping up with those feeler guages and little bitty files was just too much of a hassle )</font>

That's the hi-tech way... On most of my tractors.. I use a flap from the box to get .025 gap, and a piece of brown paper bag to polish the points with... super hard to keep up with them tools /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm sure it used to be gas engines...still is on old iron.

But the newer gas engines with the computerized systems require much more training and specialized tools. At least as far as the engines, diesels aren't as computerized...at least not yet... And, not on CUT's.

So, now...diesels are probably a bit easier due to the lesser need of specialized tools.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( . . . I would just look for the tractor that intrests you the most(dont worry about fuel type). . . )</font>

OK,
Thanks guys. I think HGM summed up the discussion pretty well. If I find a diesel that I like, then I'll get to know the local diesel repair folks (for injectors), but that's OK. If I find a gas machine, then so be it. Sounds like the difference depends on the person.

Thanks again,
Cliff

 

[justanotherjoe]

Cliff- I'm only one step ahead of you. Knew nothing a few years ago, still don't know much. My old Yanmar diesel hasn't needed engine work, because it was built to last. Sometimes old diesel tractors may be hard to start, but they are very well built. The problems are typical of equipment that sits for months without being run: usually dirt or water in the air, fuel, hydraulic systems, stale fuel, bad starters, batteries and cables with bad ground connections. You can fix all of those problems without going to the pro shop. After lurking here for a few years, you will start to smile at the "won't start, must need new injectors" problems that turn out to be "bleed ALL of the air out of the fuel lines" solutions. Ask questions here, you will get lots of help.