John Deere LX188 Project

[j.concepcion54321]

napalmed valve cover

lmfao thats a good way to describe what happened.

But still, isnt it feasible that i could connect new lines to the carb where they burnt, get a new valve cover, and cylinder head. And then with a brush attachment for my grinder get rid of all that burnt junk chilling on the engine to see what i have left of the block. Then it could possibly run?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Possibly. Just before you get very far at all, take what's left of the cover off, and clean and very closely inspect the head and valve equipment before proceeding.

 

[j.concepcion54321]

ok, when i get a chance to go out ill take a look at the valve and the head. How can i tell if the valves are still good?

Also i found this today http://providence.craigslist.org/grd/3377295709.html and for the price its definitely an option for this project... suggestions?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I had one'a those... Good, solid engines. Problem being, if you still want to mow, you'll need more power. Don't forget that the engine has to propel the vehicle and blades simultaneously. Could end up a bit anemic going to an engine that small.

Look for burnt/melted stuff and heat discolouration. Be sure to remove ALL debris/gunk/carbon/bits.

 

[cumminsbayou4x4]

i have a deck that will fit this i will sell it to you for like 20 dollars plus shipping

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Oh...My...GAWD!!! The thought of the shipping cost from Alabama to Rhode Island just made me throw up in my mouth a little! I may be Canadian, but have some knowledge of American Geography!

 

[cumminsbayou4x4]

the way the new flat rate shiping it wouldn't be but like 30-40 dollars

 

[j.concepcion54321]

@toystory ill check out the vAlves tomorrow

@cumminsbayou4x4 let me know whT shipping will be and I'll buy it if you're sure it'll fit

 

[j.concepcion54321]

......... well some of you may be mad about this but i figured i should tell you that ive decided to part out the tractor and just make a little money . So far ive sold the hood and the tranny and ive already doubled my money. If anyone needs anything lemme know....

QUICK QUESTION. Since this is a v twin cant i just get half the engine running
(the good side)
and then just use that? I have heard of people "only getting one chamber to fire" when talking about motorcycles and stuff so i figured maybe the same applies here?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I suppose it's possible. But you'd have to stitch it up so there's no oil loss, and there's going to be a lack of power (duh LOL). I suspect it'd vibrate pretty good without the counterbalance of the other cylinder. You may be able to eliminate the parasitic drag of the dead cylinder by removing the "bad" piston, rod, and valvetrain, but I think that would lead to an even greater dynamic imbalance.

In my humble opinion- either fix it (best option, because it's a heck of a great engine!) or ashcan it. That engine could be worth some pretty good bux if repaired. Well worth the time and money invested, IMHO.

 

[j.concepcion54321]

to fix it up good im gonna need a whole new block because the old ones melted. ive seen my tractor posted for like 600 in good shape. so if i fix the engine it cant be worth more than 3 hundred (which is what i think ill spend on parts for it anyways.)

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Pity about the block. If there's any saleable parts on the engine (coil, starter, whatever) then sell what you can, and deep-six the rest.

 

[exenos]

Make sure you take the block to a scrap dealer. Its 55 cents a pound for aluminum here.

 

[j.concepcion54321]

Alrigjt well I have the reR wheels and they have a 1 inch bore so im thinking of just mounting an axle in the back, taking out the engine and all the pulleeyz underneath, moving the steering assembly forwards to the front, and adding some sort of suspension to the front. Im thinking of using the same suspension design that toystory used on his kart. The j arms I think its called. Then id mod my clone engine to use it on this, or look into getting a dirtbike engine.

How would I go about moving the steering from the middle to the front?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Fwiw, what I did is considered a single trailing arm front.

As for altering the steering, that's all fab work. You could look at race mowers for inspiration.