Stuck 404

[toolz]

I've been looking for a used good 404 to replace the one in my 4020D that has 3 big holes in the block. There's plenty out there, many are either over priced or real far away. I found one today 8 miles from home in an early 7700 combine. It's the perfect replacement- fuel pump in the right place, no turbo, the right crank pulley- a pretty much bolt in deal. Problem is, it's been sitting for 10 years, and it's stuck. Antifreeze is clear green, oil is proper level and looks good, no rain could get down the exhaust. Owner said I could tinker with it all I wanted before I buy it, so this weekend I hope to pull the injectors and spray in a bunch of PB or whatever, put a battery in it, and try to spin it over. Any other suggestions? How much money do you think I'm looking at for repair if I can't get it un-stuck? (me doing the labor) It's only got 2000 hours on it, so it shouldn't need anything other than ring/liner work. Thanks

 

[tim s]

There are several ways to try. If it's a gear drive trans. (not Hydro), put it in high gear and hook a tractor to it and "shake it" a bit, if it is a Hydro and you can engage the thrasher drive put a little cable come-a-long on the cylinder flywheel and down to the feeder house and put some tension on it, try to go in the correct direction, then hit the starter a bit, it may loosen, If these attempts don't work remove the intake manifold and spray you favorite penetrating oil in around the valves (this is easier than pulling the injectors) some of the valves will be open to let fluid down into the pistons, don't over do it, you will have a hydraulic lock up if too much,a little dab will do it,, let it set a bit and repeat the previous attempts.Your front pulley will need shortened a bit and altered to let the hydraulic pump match up, I can help you with that, as well as a different fan and intake pipe to make it all fit nice, I make up a little kit to make it work out. That engine running. would bring around $2500-$3500 around here in central Ohio.

 

[Mike M]

That chance of hyd. lock is why I'd take the time and pull the injectors out first.
I'd also pull the valve cover and check each valve for free movement so as not to bend pushrods or break rocker arms.

 

[toolz]

Thanks guys. I do plan on pulling the valve cover to check the valves. Looks real good in there through the oil fill. How bad do the injectors stick in these? What's the best method to get them out?

 

[Mike M]

The big type injectors I have good luck hooking a small slide hammer to the end of them with a bolt into the threaded hole. The small pencil type well they are tougher. Lots of penetrant and carefully wiggle them and try to get something under them to pry with. I think there is maybe a special tool to hook them with a slide hammer ? They can bend and get ruined easy though.

 

[tim s]

They can be tuff to take out,,that's why I take the intake off and spray bit in past the valves, just don't "flood" it in there,,it won't lock up...or hydraulic ...if you tap the valves a bit with a hammer on top of the valve end of the tappet to see if the snap back that will let you know they aren't sticking..

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Hey dunno where you are, but a quick search for - deere 404 engine site:craigslist.org - on google brought these up -


http://desmoines.craigslist.org/grd/2860238221.html

http://spokane.craigslist.org/grd/2862811870.html

http://montgomery.craigslist.org/grd/2813359845.html

http://toledo.craigslist.org/grd/2857297141.html

http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/grd/2799738440.html

That is just the first page. Three are many more out there.

 

[tim s]

Wow,,Those are cheap compared to around here...in Central Ohio

 

[HubbTrac]

Usually when I have one stuck like that I pull the starter and use one of my angled pry bars directly in the ring gear teeth to get it loose. That is after spraying the PB and checking valves and all...some steady pressure and some back and forth work usually work well...so long as it hasn"t had any water in the cylinders. Probably better figure on a ring job atleast too.

 

[tim s]

It's probably not stuck all that bad anyway.

 

[toolz]

Thanks farmer- I talked to the first one a few days ago- not a bad deal, but 400 miles away. I went to look at the last one on your list last Saturday- made him a very solid offer that he wouldn't take. His is a late one which will be a bit harder to install. Might go get that one still.

This close one was definately my favorite, until I found it to be stuck. Not sure I want to mess with it at this point. Some work involved in getting it loose, and I'd have to take it out myself.

 

[larryanderson]

I bought a stuck one and we pulled it three feet and it started.They were trying to start it in fifth gear and did not have juice to electric shut off on injection pump.It had had a new longblock three years prior.Looked at 4320 that had set for 12 years yesterday outside for parts .Owner said it was stuck but I was able to rotate it thru inspection cover.Did not buy it was priced too high.