Gravely 8Hp Convertible Tear Down

[Elbill]

I bought this 2 wheel tractor brand new in 1978 and have used it ,stored it( at least 4 times) and used it again. 8HP Kohler has about 10 hours on it since I had engine rebuilt. I need to take motor off the frame and bring it into my basement to replace the governor shaft, unless it can be done in frame . If I pull the engine off the transmission housing is there anyway to mark the proper shaft location so it will simply slide back together. Obviously I really don't know how the thing connects and don't want a " if I only knew " syndrome . Governor shaft broke at the end of last season and I continued using it but with great difficulty and with a sense of total impending disaster. Have the new shaft and gaskets and I am ready to go. This machine is what I need to run the sickle bar and rotary mower in places my tractor can't get.

 

[gravelymay]

Hi Elbill
The engine comes off easy.
I put 2 bolts with the heads cut off and ground to a point in the 2 top holes as guides
Pull hitch off
wires
gas line if it has tank up on top
if it is on the engine it will come off with engine.
use a floor jask if you have or stack up wood under the engine level
to slide engine back.
when you go back together use guide bolts and slide engine back together.
Make sure the planetary sets into the trans about 1/4 inch
You don't have to worry about timing.
if it don't slide right together turn engine over until gears match.
be sure and pull the spark plug off before turning over.
Thanks bruce g
any ? call 423 716 4611
Cleveland TN.

 

[Elbill]

Thank you Bruce. I appreciate the time you spent penning the instructions and I hope to get started on this some time in the week. I have an L8 I was getting ready to get running also. I had to buy the L8 in order to get a 30" bush hog and a sickle bar and I will probably keep one tractor or the other depending on my mechanical skill.