scored another 154

[getitrunning]

I guess I'm an official collector now. I happened to luck upon another 154 for an excellent price that I just could not refuse, no it wasn't free, but was less cost than a rebuilt magneto, found it at a local equipment auction that was not well attended due to heavy rain. it looked better in the auctioneers online pictures but when I got up close the PTO clutch is missing, removed and replaced with a home made lever and pulley to push up against belt, so thats going to need to be addressed it has the big fat turf tires. ignition switch is hanging loose off the left side of the dash and there is no key. oil in engine looks good and radiator is full of anti freeze and no indication of massive oil leak into it. gas tank is dry and got some crusty crud in it. its been a while since its been run, a bird has built a big nest in the radiator fan shroud. but the tin and front grill and headlights are in pretty good condition.
got to clear off the trailer and go pick it up next week

[SONNY]

pto clutch is ONLY $650! LOL!! --- some are higher than that but shop around and usually $650 will buy a complete one. I rebuilt 2 of them and never used them, finally tossed them in the junkpile. Dont use the 154's or 185's anymore. Went to Simplicity 20's to mow with and never looked back! lol!

[getitrunning]

im just planning my week, will do what ive got to do to go pick up the tractor, then pack some tools and go on the 200 mile treck to the bone yard and take closer inspection of the parts machine laying on the ground, and pick up the other odds and ends the owner is holding for me.
for some reason I was thinking another tractor on the property would bring a bigger crowd to the estate auction when the good lord calls me back home.
but in the mean time maybe I can put the old machine back right and use it to do some useful work. ive been thinking maybe the best approach on these old 154's that need lots of work might be best to put them in a shed and tear them down completely for a complete restoration. its all a test for me to see if my body can do the work my brain wants it to do.

[SONNY]

First thing is to make sure you have a good running motor! Build up from that. Another thing is make sure the frame aint broke! Got 2 here that are! IF they ever had blades or 3-pt on them,--- They are broke! Taking a 154 apart here to get the motor out to put in one of the 185's and the 3-pt. off it goes on the 184 IF I decide to continue working on it.

[getitrunning]

the three point is interesting. the first one I got has most of the 3 point on tractor whats missing are the lift arms but ive got a spare complete 3 point setup from a little Kubota and the lift arms just might be able to be creatively adapted. well, trailer is empty and hooked up and off to get the latest acquisition

[getitrunning]

tried to post photos but it didn't work

tomorrow ill make photos of the alterations to clutch shaft now that ive got it home. im tickled pink with this one. it was a steal with plain Jane craftsman and mtd riding mowers on local craigslist selling usually for at least $500

[getitrunning]

another try at pictures

[getitrunning]

I spent a few minutes with this on the trailer still. pulled the hood off to get a better look.
its a dud. engine is locked up solid fourth spark plug is half way out and lots of rust on the exposed threads. buyer beware. printed auctioneers booklet says "owner states that it runs, needs battery" the owner was less than honest when described it.
but there's lots of good parts on it. distributor looks real good as does the generator and voltage regulator, and still has original IH carburetor, wonder what the insides of these parts look like, radiator looks good and there is not too much crud in gas tank. I'll get the borescope out but I expect at least #4 cylinder is rusted.
since the oil looks very good on dipstick ill pull the plugs and fill with kroil or a mixture of kerosene, dextron transmission fluid and mineral spirits with maybe a splash of acetone and lanolin for good measure

[staninlowerAL]

The block can be bored and sleeved back to standard if you desire to do so or good used blocks are available from forum members and sponsors. JMHO Stan

[outdoors4evr]

Might want to stick a dowel (or better yet a bore scope) down into that spark plug hole and see if it comes out wet. If the plug is rusty, then there may be water in that hole. Also, might want to try to free it up by removing all the plugs and putting it in third gear and rocking the tractor. Who knows, it might be recently stuck.

[SONNY]

Take the head off right off the go cause you will have to anyway! Then you will know for positive what you have and work from there.---- might only need rings and rod shells and a good valve grinding.