engine / oil leak

[MCGN]

Hi Folks,
I have a PT-422 with about 100 hours on it. After working for several hours this afternoon my tractor just died. I tried to restart it and it wouldn't crank. After checking the oil I noticed it was quite low and added one quart. I called Power Trac and Terry listened to the noise and thought the engine had seized up. Anyway, I let it cool down and then the tractor started fine - that is the good news. It started running rough and I noticed their is oil leaking (can't tell from where). The oil level on the dip stick is now about 1/4 down.

Unfortunately, I don't even know where to start. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance for all you help.

 

[MossRoad]

Is it a Robin engine?

 

[MCGN]

Yes - it is the Robins 22HP engine. Since my last post, the engine has now died and won't start. When it was running I could see oil leaking from the right side of the engine - not sure where (facing forward). It still shows about 1/2 full on the dip stick, but now it cranks over, but doesn't start. Sounds very sick.

 

[BobRip]

That is the side with the fuel pump, right? I have had the hose from the fuel pump to the crankcase leak. This delivers pulsating vacuum to the fuel pump which drives it's pumping action.

 

[MossRoad]

Do you have a Robin engine shop nearby?

 

[MCGN]

Thanks for the comments. I will check out the fuel pump suggestion and I am trying to track down a Robins dealer this morning.

Thanks again. Hopefully it will be something simple. I have really enjoyed the PT the past 3 years - even though it only has 100 hours on it.

 

[MossRoad]

I guess we never asked...

When you crank the starter, at least the engine spins, doesn't it?

 

[MCGN]

Hi MossRoad,

Yes - the engine appears to spin. I talked with Terry today and he things I have a cracked engine block. I plan on taking the PT to a engine repair shop and see what the recommend.

Thanks again.

 

[MCGN]

Hi Folks,

Sorry - another question. I want to tow my dead PT-422 to a dealer, but can't find the tow valve anywhere. The picture in the manual isn't helpful. I found an allen screw almost in the center of the PT in front of the engine (facing down) that I thought was it, but it won't come close to opening. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[Marks481]

I want to tow my dead PT-422 to a dealer, but can't find the tow valve anywhere.

Careful.

You do understand that when they talk about "towing", they are talking about a few hundred yards at less then 2-3 mph. Enough to get it out of the swamp onto the trailer.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/109046-tow-bypass-valve-limitations-pt.html

 

[MCGN]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the response. I had read that thread earlier, but was unable to open the document listed. I actually just want to "tow" it onto my trailer which is right next to the machine. My problem is finding and/or opening the tow valve. I believe I am trying to open it (in the correct direction) but it won't budge. Is there a trick?

 

[stray]

When my coil was out I just used the starter to move the PT about 50 ft. I just held the peddle down while cranking the engine.

 

[MCGN]

Thanks for the suggestion about using the starter. It worked perfectly to get the PT onto my trailer. Hopefully I will find out in a couple days what went wrong with the engine.

 

[MossRoad]

Just a note on using the starter to move it. Take your time, don't crank it too long and let it rest between cranks. They are easy to heat up and damage.

Glad you got it on the trailer. Hope it turns out to be something simple (and cheap!).