Model B Engine Questions

[Mnethercutt]

All,

I'm working on a model B (S/N 260763) that I've recently resurrected after it sat for 15+ years. Naturally when I used it to mow the lawn, I had oil leaks everywhere, one of them being from the flywheel side main seal. I've removed the flywheel and the main bearing housing to replace all the gaskets while I'm in this far and had a couple questions:

1. Based on the S/N I was under the impression that this had the rubber style main seal, but when I pulled off the housing it had the cork seal installed. I had already ordered the rubber style seal. Can I use the rubber seal instead of the cork?

2. There's some wear on the crankshaft and main bearings. I know next to nothing about the shim style system on this tractor. Is this something I can field polish out with 1000 grit sandpaper? There's still quite a few shims left I could remove if need be. See attached pictures. I think they look worse than it actually is, there's only one or two spots I can feel with my fingernail.

3. Lastly, and warnings/recommendations/suggestions on anything I should do while I'm this far in and things to look out for during reassembly? I do have the service manual.

Thanks for any information.

 

[Loosehandle]

That main bearing is down to the copper and has had it, the crankshaft looks bad for sure.
The seal system will probably be overwhelmed with oil in any case.

 

[SamV]

I agree, these bearings are toast.

 

[Mnethercutt]

Well that stinks. Any recommendations on a supplier for new bearings? I'm not sure I can justify the $1000 this site is asking for them...

 

[SamV]

I had mine re-poured with babbet years ago. I don't know if anybody still does that.

 

[Mnethercutt]

I had mine re-poured with babbet years ago. I don't know if anybody still does that.

These are the main bearings. They're insert type, not babbits, unless I'm mistaken?

 

[Loosehandle]

If you have the JD parts # you can do a internet search for bearings. You might be better off looking for a parts tractor.

 

[Lynerd]

Mnethercutt We have a crankshaft out of the late B. Found a tractor and bought it and was going to use it in and earlier B. Won't work. Never checked it to see how much it was worn. Not as bad as yours. Could check it and ship if you want it. Found a good crankshaft and good main bearings on ebay. You are right they are insert type bearings with shims. Lynn

 

[Fixingfarmer]

I wonder if this was done by a machine shop they look different than any b I’ve seen. Apparently a bearing is available here for 33 bucks. It almost looks like too many shims were pulled it doesn’t look like the bearing spun. If I’m wrong a machine shop can still be able to repair the bearing.

Your problem is going to be the crank

Edit. My apologies ROD bearing is available you are correct the price they want for mains it would almost be worth the call to see what on earth those are complete new cast?

 

[Mnethercutt]

I wonder if this was done by a machine shop they look different than any b I’ve seen. Apparently a bearing is available here for 33 bucks. It almost looks like too many shims were pulled it doesn’t look like the bearing spun. If I’m wrong a machine shop can still be able to repair the bearing.

Your problem is going to be the crank

Edit. My apologies ROD bearing is available you are correct the price they want for mains it would almost be worth the call to see what on earth those are complete new cast?

I'll pull the crank and see if I can get a machine shop to clean it up and if they can source bearings. I talked to mother Deere yesterday and they may have a source for bearings at about 1/4 the cost this site wants so I'm looking down that route. I hate that its this bad--the tractor ran ok and had decent oil pressure so I wasn't expecting this. Depending on the quotes it my not be feasible for me to repair it as much as I might want to.

 

[MSD]

Find a good set of used bearings and run them. Shouldn't be to hard to come by. Lynd Bros is a good parts source. The crank would be cheaper to replace with a good used one than to try and fix.