1968 820

[drjbb]

I recently bought an 820 built in 1968.
Engine serial# 3152 DL 09
It is need of, at least, new rings. The engine runs like a top.
Cranks easily but there is a great deal of pressure and some oil coming from the crankcase vent.
To all of you much more knowledgeable than I:
Is an in-frame overhaul sufficient?
Do the pistons need to replaced or are only new rings acceptable?
I plan on replacing the radiator hose and themostat; is there anyting else that comes to mind that should be replaced?
Thank you all for your time and assistance
Ben Burke

 

[centash]

In frame sleeves and pistons.....reasonable cost and gets you a like new engine.

Ben

 

[rrlund]

I wouldn't buy anything until you tear it down and check everything out. If there's no wear in the sleeves, ring grooves or wrist pins, fine, just new rings and bearings, but you won't know until you get in to it.

 

[Keith True]

I did quite a few of those working for a JD dealer in the late 70's.I don't believe I ever saw one that the sleeves were not worn out.For some reason the pistons would measure as good,but the sleeves would be tapered badly.If the engine has never been done over,the block may need to be ground.No big deal,but where the bottom of the sleeves slide into the block the edges of the block are sharp.You just reach down in with a round stone on a long shaft and take the sharp edge off.If you don't it makes it easy to tear the O-rings when sliding the sleeves in.

 

[tomstractorsandtoys]

I would not do just rings in a Deere engine as not knowing the history he might have a sleeve almost pitted through. I guess he could remove the sleeves and replace the orings and turn the sleeves a 1/4 turn and reassemble but the cost of doing a three cylinder is so reasonable might as well just put a kit in it. Tom

 

[fdt860]

On those, the sleeves o rings may be old and needs replacemen5 soon.
Early 300 series had a single o ringl , some two so you absolutely cannot ordee parts before tearing into it.
Sleeves are fairly unexpensive so i would change them.

This post was edited by fdt860 on 10/26/2021 at 09:42 pm.

 

[rrlund]

I thought about that pitting after I replied. My 1020 was leaking coolant in to the oil. Way down toward the bottom of the sleeve it was cracked. There was a straight line pitted right up the outside of it. So straight it looked like a seam.

 

[drjbb]

Thanks to all for the help
The in-frame overhaul kit runs around $500 and has liners.
Something to do that will keep me off the streets at night and out of my wife's hair.

 

[hedgeless_horseman]

I had the same issue with fluid coming out of the crank case vent on my 820. A diesel mechanic friend of mine suggested that I might just have a stuck ring, and to simply run a bunch of Diesel Kleen - Cetane Boost through it. I did so and it stopped spitting black fluid out the vent almost immediately.

As far as hoses, thermostat, and other maintenance items, get an Owners Manual. It walks you through everything. I regularly grease all the zerks, clean packing and replace oil in the oil bath air filter, check the belt and replace if necessary, clean fuel filter bowls and replace both filters, clean transmission oil screen and change filter and hydraulic fluid, add steering column oil, change crankcase oil and filter, and flush and change coolant.

Recently, I have replaced the rear axle bearings and the hydraulic pump.

I love my 820. We use it several times a week for spreading manure, moving round bales, mowing pastures, harrowing arena, etc. We will never sell it.