Engine Siezed, What to do?

[leonandtherese]

Greetings and bless all for the input.

First of all, when I took the tractor back to the barn after the event, it did not sound right, nothing terrible, but just did not sound right.
Not only have I been extensively using my eyes watching the gauges, but even more importantly, I have become extremely accustomed to using my ears to learn the natural sounds of the various operations, (idle, running, the "ping" of when a bale is tied, love that sound, etc, etc).
Also, the tractor did not seem to be operating at normal power for the brief jaunt to the barn.

Granted, I was extremely upset at myself, and could have been hyper-sensitive, but even at the time, was aware of these facts and attempted as best as I can to objectively note anything worthy.

Plus, the tractor does not have a low oil shut off switch.
And the screech that I heard was absolutely no doubt in my mind metal on metal, not the belts.

Since then:

1). Pulled the pan, found significant metallic debris, (size of small shavings from a drill press), sighed, reassembled.

2). Received my shop manual today, (yeah!), that was coincidentally ordered three days before the event, (did I jinx myself?).

3). Still taking it in to a certified mechanic for thourough examination.

While I have basic capabilities and tools, I feel that this is above my pay-grade.
As previously discussed, peace of mind, and a tractor running the way it should are my biggest concerns.
I have to agree with Hooked on HP and others, I feel, (know), that there is damage, but hopefully can limit it, and repair to as good as it can get by taking it in now.
Yes the cost is something that I can ill afford, (probably topping out in absolutely worst case engine replacement scenario around 5 grand, sigh).
Yes, I am not making a living off of the farming . . . yet.
But me and the missus are trying to eventually get to the stage with our 5 & 10 year plan to help supplement our retirement, with beef cattle, and growing our own forage.
Plus we want to expand the size of our farm, (who doesn't?).
Thus, I want, ney, need, an effective tractor.

Finally, OP?
Is this what I think it is?
Me and the missus use the abbreviation OFP, (from the 80's movie Repo Man).
My momma doesn't think I am an OP.
Now I'm really POed.
A POed OP!
Plus, with my age, er old, and nationality, (Polish), this would make me a POed OPOP.
Or POed OP2, (squared).
Still.

Thanks everyone for the input.
This is why the site is the best for Newbie OP farmers like myself.

I will update with final results once they come in.

Sincerely

Leon and Therese

P.S. The day after the event we went into the field to look to see if we could see where the bolt dropped out, a 3 acre heavy growth alfalfa/orchard grass field that was cut and teddered. Like looking for a needle in a haystack, S*&^ you not, within 15 minutes the missus not only found the initial spot, but found the plug.
She really is the best.

 

[aczlan]

Finally, OP?

OP = Original Poster, Generally used to refer to the person who started the thread.

Aaron Z

 

[leonandtherese]

Oooohhh.
Original Poster.
That's what it means.
Darn 21st century languages.
I still am having a hard enough time with that 19th century one.
Not to even mention those 20th & 12th century ones!

Thanks, and I take back all that umbrage I felt.

L & T

 

[CurlyDave]

1. Please keep us all informed about progress.

2. I have no idea about what you may have thought OP meant, but we usually don't disparage people here on TBN. Especially not when they have had serious difficulties like you have. If someone says he rode his ATV out to a farm a few miles from home, shot a cow he didn't own and dragged it back to his freezer, he will get an earful. But guys who have accidents and misfortune get help and advice.

After you have been around for a while there might be a light-hearted comment or two, but only in funny situations.

 

[oliver28472]

To the OP, L&T: Just sent you a PM. (private message)

 

[Coyote machine]

Here is what I would do- considering your less than fortunate economic situation, and what else you have posted about finding metal like drill press cuttings.
I would definitely not start that engine again. Have it diagnosed and fixed properly for peace of mind, and doing things the right way the first time is almost always cheaper in the long run.
The damage is done- clearly running it more will render the expense proportional to how long you run it. That is, the longer you run it without proper repair the more it will cost you.

Good luck, and post back what you have been told prior to doing the actual repairs so we can suggest what else if anything to do to get you back in the alfalfa.

 

[dodge man]

I would say your best case would be new bearings and rings and honing the cylinders. Thats not likely going to happen if there is that many shavings in the oil. That puts the best case at turning the crank, and all new bearings. Worse case is new crank, rods, pistons, maybe some help on the valve gear and cam? If a used engine could be found, that might be the cheapest route. Can diesels be bored and fitted with oversized pistons like gas engines? I assume so.

 

[IH3444]

Wish I was closer, I would help you. The crank needs to be inspected closely, may be OK with just a polish. Honeing the cylinders may all it needs also. The ring most likely overheated, and lost a bit of spring. Colud almost do the repair in the tractor. Pull head, pistons, mark of course what came from where. Inspect crank, and mic. Bummer, sorry to read about it. But on the bright side your SO is a keeper, and a cutie! I'm certain that the head is OK, maybe just disassemble, inspect, lap valves, and reassemble. You would learn alot, and not be green on engine work. You also would be doing most of the work. Sounds like it is very repairable. keep us informed, and pictures help alot.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Oooohhh.
Original Poster.
That's what it means.
Darn 21st century languages.
I still am having a hard enough time with that 19th century one.
Not to even mention those 20th & 12th century ones!

Thanks, and I take back all that umbrage I felt.

L & T

REPO MAN.. Classic... Follow it up with USED CARS and you have filled up a lovely friday night...

 

[cowboy357]

Sorry to here about the bad luck & wish you the Best . I Find it rather Odd ( unless I Missed it ) that noone Has Mentioned anything about the Temp guage .

I would think it Would have Pegged Before the Plug Fell Plum out just from being low on Oil . . Were The oil & Temp guages not working Properlly ? Or does it just have the Idiot lights ? Sorry Thats Just What we Allways Called Them, . Just Curious . Best of Luck again, Bob