Where is model, S/N located?/ Rebuild?

BravelyGravely · Jul 27, 2023

Engine stopped 15 years ago when oil was low and engine seized. Recently removed the head and unseized the piston using oil and PB blaster. I can turn it over now with a wrench, but I cannot turn it over with the pull rope easily. Everything turns, including the mower attachment on , magneto and valves. But even with the mower detached engine will not pull over easily with starting belt. pulls harder now than with a normal start with compression. Starter motor is not operational and there is no chain connected to crank shaft. Can the piston rings create that much resistance or is there something else wrong?

Lnk · Jul 29, 2023

BravelyGravely said:
Engine stopped 15 years ago when oil was low and engine seized. Recently removed the head and unseized the piston using oil and PB blaster. I can turn it over now with a wrench, but I cannot turn it over with the pull rope easily. Everything turns, including the mower attachment on , magneto and valves. But even with the mower detached engine will not pull over easily with starting belt. pulls harder now than with a normal start with compression. Starter motor is not operational and there is no chain connected to crank shaft. Can the piston rings create that much resistance or is there something else wrong?

Probably galled the cylinder, the surfaces are no longer smooth and lubricated. They are now rough. What model and engine?

BravelyGravely · Jul 31, 2023

Thanks for reply
First. Not familiar with forums. Librarian got me started. Power washed next. Looked everywhere others said to look. Finally I said got to be something on casting as well as some sticker. Found 10388 tucked up front left side hidden below another part of casting. Looked for 10388 on several sites listing s/no’s. Found but only with”M” in front. Bought it used in 1973 so older than that. I thought it once had “1956 Gravely” written on inside of hood once upon atime but that is not there anymore. It has the high pressure oil system which was new in1956. And the air supply hose runs to a rear a
face-ing Zenith carb. So I have concluded s/n is M10388 made in 1956 and sold in the Appleton,WI area.
So if I pull the cylinder to have it refinished will i be able to get compression and oil rings and I assume there is a seal between the cylinder and crankcase. Any suggestions where to purchase?
If removing piston from cylinder doesn’t resolve effort to turnover engine I’ll have to consider whether cost of repair is worth it. I do not know if there is another replacement tractor, though.
I have a 70 year love affair with the 2 wheel version. Ran a 1940‘s version most of the morning. I was 12. it kept stopping ever so often. It had been in barn for several years. Complained to the boss. He forgot oil. Ran good rest of the Afternoon. It was all red and hood ran from top of gas tank to top of transmission where attachments are attached. No battery or starter. Thats when I decided to buy one when I got older. Got it 20 years later and still have it. Have anonfunctioning sickle bar, 30” mower and snow plow.
Thanks

Lnk · Aug 2, 2023

BravelyGravely said:
Thanks for reply
First. Not familiar with forums. Librarian got me started. Power washed next. Looked everywhere others said to look. Finally I said got to be something on casting as well as some sticker. Found 10388 tucked up front left side hidden below another part of casting. Looked for 10388 on several sites listing s/no’s. Found but only with”M” in front. Bought it used in 1973 so older than that. I thought it once had “1956 Gravely” written on inside of hood once upon atime but that is not there anymore. It has the high pressure oil system which was new in1956. And the air supply hose runs to a rear a
face-ing Zenith carb. So I have concluded s/n is M10388 made in 1956 and sold in the Appleton,WI area.
So if I pull the cylinder to have it refinished will i be able to get compression and oil rings and I assume there is a seal between the cylinder and crankcase. Any suggestions where to purchase?
If removing piston from cylinder doesn’t resolve effort to turnover engine I’ll have to consider whether cost of repair is worth it. I do not know if there is another replacement tractor, though.
I have a 70 year love affair with the 2 wheel version. Ran a 1940‘s version most of the morning. I was 12. it kept stopping ever so often. It had been in barn for several years. Complained to the boss. He forgot oil. Ran good rest of the Afternoon. It was all red and hood ran from top of gas tank to top of transmission where attachments are attached. No battery or starter. Thats when I decided to buy one when I got older. Got it 20 years later and still have it. Have anonfunctioning sickle bar, 30” mower and snow plow.
Thanks

Not sure this is allowed, but here is a link to a gravely forum.