Off to the machine shop

[Ken (48 Cub)]

I am very excited today. I took the engine, crank etc. to the machine shop this morning to be cleaned and inspected. A little nervous about what I am going to hear. I'll keep you posted.

[Steve Ruddy]

Ken,

We have a 48 Cub as well. I just picked up the block from the machine shop Wednesday. Although the mechanic said that honing the cylinders would improve the preformance since there was about .003"- cylinder ridge he recommend a bore job. So I eneded up with cylinder bore, valve job including new guides, springs, valves crank service new pistons pins and rod reconditioning and a complete overhaul kit. To my suprise this set me back $1200.00 I asked about this and he said because it was industrial was why it cost so much and that a 350 chevy rebuild would have been about $1800.00 and that includes full assembly. I'm excited that I'll start putting the engine back together today. I've never done it before but feel confident. Good luck on your project.

[Ken (48 Cub)]

Well I got the bad news yestreday. The machune shop says that the engine is wore out. Needs to be bored, new pistons, valves, crank & cam shaft turned. I also have one of those lucky cracked blocks which he will weld. $1600 bucks! Ouch! And thats with me putting it back together.

If a rebuild kit is around $500 does this sound reasonable? The boss is not going to understand the way you guys do.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Ken, I guess it varies by area, but in the rural area where I live prices are apparently cheaper. I just had one done, except cam didn't need to be turned, and vlaves were reused after grinding, also I didn't have a crack to repair. Cost was $504 including parts.

[Weav27]

Isn't it amazing at the cost of these engines. I had one to the shop about 2 years ago and lost somewhere around $1200.00 before leaving. I even knew a guy there that helped out and paid for parts at cost. I believe it when they say the most expensive words are "Well we may as well...". I think that it was well worth it and I imagine that it will help to more than double its life span. I agree that the boss cannot understand why an engine costs more than the price of the tractor and a restoration put together. I guess that its the price we must pay for the medication as a result of being bitten by that Farmall Bug.

[Ken (48 Cub)]

You guys are right. The tractor is well worth it and will last another 50 years. It's killing me to see it in pieces and can't wait to get it back together. I will tell the boss tonight and see how many times her head spins around.

I will update you tomorrow if I am physically able.

[Ken (48 Cub)]

UPDATE!

I decided to check around so I have all of my options covered. I emailed JP Tractor Salvage and John called me back. He has another option for me. They sell an engine kit - reconditioned block bored .040 over, pistons valves and camshaft installed for $475.00. I will use my crank, turned .020 under and head. By the time I add bearings, gaskets & shipping it will still be half the price of the machine shop.

He can even get a block with a 1948 casting code - thanks John.

Everything is truely cheeper in the country.

[Rudi]

Ken:

Kind of amazing isn't it. I just finished taking Jethro apart. He is naked right down to the TBO (pics in about a week)

We were looking at probably a punch job to about 40 over, new valves etc., which would probably be around 800 bucks. Looks like I may be going to a new engine as well and leave Jethro's to be parted out.

Sometimes a replacement is a whole lot easier and cheaper making it the more viable option, especially when the boss needs to approve the expenditure! I know I gotta get permission first

[Donny M]

Rudi,

Just do it Forgiveness is easier to get than Permission.

[Ron L]

Rudi,

Just do it Forgiveness is easier to get than Permission.

Easy for you to say !!!!!

[rleggitt]

Hey Ken,

I am saddened to hear about your engine. I am certainly glad that John
could help you out there. Just remember that these little machines will
out run, out perform, out last any of those $4,000-$5,000 specials you
see advertized. Not only that, they sure look good in a parade. This is
not to even mention their re-sale value.

I wish you good luck with the remainder of your restoration.

[Ken (48 Cub)]

Well she surprised me yet again. She says that it's cheap therapy and to go ahead and order the engine kit from JP.

Deep down I knew it all along. I'll keep you posted when it comes in.

[johnbron]

Well she surprised me yet again. She says that it's cheap therapy and to go ahead and order the engine kit from JP.

Thats good news to hear Ken. Aren`t women amazing creatures!!. Good luck with your/her decision and let us know how it turns out.

[Donny M]

I stand corrected. Once again.

Rudi's going to get a kick out of this.

Good deal Ken Could you share just exactly what you've been feeding your wife

[Ken (48 Cub)]

A heavy dose of home remodling and a recent furniture purchase!
Works every time! [/quote]