Engine overhaul

[Ric0126]

Well after trying to improve my compression using a good soaking of ATF I still have very low pressure on 2 n 3 so I guess a overhaul is next. I want to sell this tractor but realize having it running is my best bet. I am looking for recommendations on which kit to buy and any other rebuild advise. As a reminder to those following me on this it is a 51 8n side dist. converted to 12v.

 

[teddy52food]

Pull the head. The gasket may be leaking between 2 & 3.

 

[Greybeard - PA]

The time for deciding what to buy is not now, but after the unit is comopletely torn down. Not until then and after all the wear parts are measured can it be knowable as to what you will need. Items like blocks and cranks run an easy $500 a pop. Please do not decide out of hand that just a kit is all your engine will need. Could be less, could be more.

Good Luck
Dave Erb
New Holland, PA

 

[Ultradog MN]

I haven't followed your tractor so bear with me for asking questions you may have answered before.
Is this engine running now? Have you ever had it running?
What are the readings across the board? 1 2 3 4?
Could it be a head gasket? Could it be sticky valves if the engine hasn't run for a while?
I wouldn't buy anything yet. Does it have good spark and fresh fuel to the carb? If so I would try pulling the tractor. I've seen more than one engine that had sat for unknown reasons fire up on two cyls then start to fire on 3 and then 4 by pulling it. Lets you look into the radiator to see if it's leaking combustion gasses before pulling the head. See what it has for oil pressure. Get a feel for the engine. Are you cranking the engine on 6v or 12v to do your readings?
Sorry for the length here. I see a lot of these engines get torn down and rebuilt when they don't need it - when the engine would have run for years yet with a little tlc and the knowhow that can be furnished by this board.

 

[NOXJohn]

I would follow Ultradog's advise. You may have a few stuck valves, blown head gasket, messed up carburetor or just badly stuck rings. I would sell it non running before doing an engine rebuild. Chances are you will not get your rebuild money back at resale not even considering you rebuild time. Sell it for $500 and let the next guy figure out how much he wants to put into it to make it run. At least then he will know what he has.