LA engine partially stuck

[railroadgoat]

I just bought an LA that the engine was stuck. After working I got it to turn "almost" all the way over by hand. It comes to a certain spot and will not go past that. If I back the engine up, it comes to that spot again and stops. Any idea what may be happening inside there without taking the head off ???? Tell me a good and sure way to take the head bolts out without breaking them ??? They seem to be fairly rusted to the head??? THANKS

 

[riggsjr]

I would heat each one up and take them out with an impact gun.That should work.The impact is key!!!

 

[jdal]

Sounds like you've either got something lying on the top of a piston (broken sparkplug, chunk of carbon) or maybe just a ridge of rust which the top ring is hitting. Have you tried this with the spark plugs out? Someone may have put in a looong reach plug. If taking out the plugs does not help, it's time to pull the head.

 

[railroadgoat]

Yep, have the plugs out. Still doesn't help. Was hoping to avoid pulling the head as a new head gasket from Deere is $90 total. Thanks

 

[Zeke67]

You may be in need of a total tear down. My father had a 2010 with the same symptom. Turns out there was a build-up of rust between teeth on a gear that prevented the engine from making a full revolution. Good luck!

 

[buickanddeere]

Same as zeke67 said. Can't you afford a gasket set so you can inspect,clean and ensure something isn't wrong inside?
Could be bent valve(s) due to somebody forcing the engine over against a stuck valve.

 

[Ray]

If 90 bucks is stopping you,probably better get rid of it now.

 

[Dr. Bert]

Had one like that a few weeks ago. Turned out to be a valve rusted about 1/2 way open. Pull the plugs and with a flashlight watch the valve action while slowly turning the crank one way and back again. When the cam lobe comes to that valve it will not move, and then you will have your answer. To loosen those rusted head bolts, I tightened them about a quarter of a turn before trying to loosen them. Worked for me.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I assume an LA has an overhead valve engine but I could be wrong. I would next pull the valve cover off and see if a valve is stuck.

 

[railroadgoat]

Flathead engine with valves in the block.

 

[railroadgoat]

OK fellows. First off YES, I can more than afford a gasket set, just wishful thinking I'd get away without it. Done lots of car engines without pulling heads even after 20-30 years sitting.
Problem with this one was:
2 exhaust valves rusted shut. Tractor sat outside some 20 years, without muffler, before it was sold to an older gent, who brought it inside his garage. Parkinson's D. stopped him before he could free the engine up. I just pulled the head and realize the valves will all have to come out and either new seats installed along with new valves or a good touch up job on them ????? She will turn all the way over now, but the exhaust valves will not close. Thanks

 

[Dave (in IL)]

My 8N ford acted that way when it had a couple of valves rusted up from a broken manifold.

Dang I did not know La'S were flat heads.

 

[railroadgoat]

2 cylinder one's at that !!! 10-14 hp I don't even know that YET.

 

[gtx1967jewison]

worst thing u could ever do!

 

[Hotflashjr]

Don't forget that the LA motor has a valve cover on the side with the exhaust manifold. Two bolts, and I think a $7 gasket. You will see what is, and isn't, moving with your valve train once you take this cover off. That can then tell you wether or not you need to take the head and gasket off.

I don't seem to remeber spending $90 on a head gasket from Deere for my LA? If they went up I am sure glad I bought the two my dealer had in stock!