320 U Follow up - Need Motor

[Brent Hill]

Hello Again, Thanks for the information from my last inquiry about what model blocks would fit the 320 - I will be following up with calls to those who had an engine to part with.

The machine shop I use said they would be surprised if those pistons could be busted loose - well, they won"t be surprised. On the other hand, every other bolt on that tractor came off without a fight. No rust or damage other than the frozen engine.

I found the stamped engine serial number 91139 and the block casting M64-. The tractor serial number tag is missing but perhaps I can do the JD application for a new one. My question is, does putting a replacement engine in significantly affect the value?

I"m not so much concerned with the collector value as this is more of a sentimental project as my wife"s dad got it from the State Highway Dept where he worked all his life and wanted my wife to have it - they used the 320U to put up hay many years ago. Anyway, just looking to put the closest to accurate engine in. Thanks.
 

[Ray]

The 320 engine is one of the easiest to work on.
If a machinist tells you he can't get pistons out he's pulling your leg.Unless it froze and cracked i've never seen one that couldn't be rebuilt.The missing tag hurts the value.The
replacement tag you can get from deere is a lot smaller than the original, and has a bar code on it.The serial number is only on the tag as far as i know,not stamped anywhere.The four digits stamped in the block below the generator are the ones john deere can decode to give you the correct serial number.
 

[Mark-Ia]

The ser# can be gotten with the number off the block. The block number is not the same as the tractor though. Your area service manager from John Deere can get you the number.
 

[jdfun]

Since they only made the 320 for two years and 3084 built I would try to salvage the engine block. Is your a slant steer? I have a 1958 320U slant steer, one of 199 built. I have several complete engines that turn over,also M64T blocks on the shelf. If you what more information contact me by email or call 573 535 8952. I'm located in S E Mo. Tom.
 

[M-MAN]

Your tractor, your call but your pistons can be busted loose. All it takes is something to wet the pistons, a block of 4X4 or stovewood & a sledge hammer. You probably can't save the pistons if it's as bad as you say but they will alway's come out on a Dubuque.
 

[Brent Hill]

Thanks for the replies. It is a '57 straight steer. Looks like the original color was all yellow (my father-in-law added some green on it). Maybe I'll go ahead and separate the engine, take the crank out, get physical with those pistons and see what happens.