Welded Engines

[htiek126]

I am looking at an F24D with a cracked engine block that has been repaired by the dealer in Japan. Is this a worthwhile investment, or will the engine likely have a short lifespan? What would be a reasonable difference for the price as compared to one without the engine damage?

 

[normde2001]

I believe I would avoid Fxxx Yanmars altogether. As I understand it, there is low parts availability because of being gray market with no US equilavent or similarity. Maybe some parts dealers will comment on that.

 

[Tractors4u]

If the weld was done correectly you shouldn't have any problems. The FX's are in the same predicament that the regular YM's were before the dealer discovered crossover parts. There are a good number of the YM's that don't have parts available from Yanmar America either. Yanmar America is starting to crack down on their parts dealers selling to support grey markets too. A friend of mine just lost his Yanmar parts license because Yanmar accused him of using the parts to support greys.

 

[clifst2310]

I bought a YM2310 with a welded block in Oct 2001. I was able to negotiate a lower price for the tractor because of this. The head gasket failed about 60 hours after I bought the tractor, however I paid less for parts than the discount. I did the repair myself. Many older American tractors have welded blocks. I have a friend who owns three older small fords and two have welded blocks.

The real factors are;

1. Where is the crack to be welded. Mine was horizontal in the water jacket and didn't intersect any bearing surfaces.

2. What does the weld look like. Is it a fairly clean straight bead or does it resemble chicken droppings piled up.

3. How hard are you planning on using the tractor. Mine is for mowing, gardening and small chores. I get about 100-110 hrs a year. A commercial operation probably could achieve those hours in a couple of weeks or a month.

4. Very important, are you mechanically inclined if necessary, or do you have to pay someone else for the repairs if necessary.

Just my opinion, but I bought one.