900HC restoring?

[takpak]

Last fall I acquired a 1988 JD 900HC with the Yanmar diesel. The basic tractor is decent, and am considering restoring it. However, the engine is froze......tight. It was tragically left outside by the previous owner, and rain/water got into the engine. When I drained the oil, some of it was water. Pulled the exhaust mainfold, water in it. Same with the intake. Pulled the head, water on only one of the pistons. The cylinders don't appear to be worn badly, even with 5000 hours on the meter. The block is NOT cracked, still solid. Had antifreeze in it. Problem; I'm told that if the crankshaft is bad/rusted, then good luck finding another. Is this tractor worth saving, or should I just cut my losses and part it out? At this point, the engine seems to be the worst of things. Thoughts/opinions???

 

[JD Dave]

900HC's bring good money but parts availability may be an issue. It depends on your goal. Do you want to make a profit or just have fun with it?

 

[takpak]

Not trying to make any money. Just want to have fun, and needed to rescue what could be a nice tractor from a dismal fate. I gave the guy who had it $500, so hopefully I didn't "overspend"....!

 

[randyjinla]

I'm sure that engine was used in different tractors or equipment, like zero turns and other John Deere tractors. You might be able to find a good used engine cheaper than rebuilding yours.