Yahoo..it lives!
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 9:24 pm
Last year I had picked up a Low Boy 154 with a mower. I was hoping for a quick once over and some minor repairs but, it was in tougher shape than I realized. So, last fall I installed a new wiring harness, new battery, new ignition switch, new fuel shut off, and cleaned out the carb. Unfortunately, the cold weather came before I got it running. So, it spent the winter bundled up in a nice new tarp..under 3 feet of snow.
Well today I decided I was getting it started...or else. So, I charged up the battery, double checked all of my wiring connections, squirted some oil in each cylinder, and primed the oil pump. I turned the key and was shocked that the engine turned over like a big dog! I now had my 15 year old son's interest so he installed the spark plugs and we remounted the gas tank and sloshed some gas into it. I cranked it again and after about 10 seconds it fired right up and ran like a fine Swiss watch. I was surprised..my son was shocked.
A check of the electrical system voltage confirmed that the S/G was working perfectly. I was also able to confirm that there was good oil pressure (don't ask how). The hydraulics were also able to raise and lower the mower deck. After a couple 15 minute runs we drained the oil and refilled it with fresh 10W-30 and a pint of Marvel Mystery Oil. My son then proceeded to grease everything that had a zerk and a couple things that didn't.
On the to-do list I have the following: new light switch, new throttle assy, new throwout bearing, and possibly a new clutch. I also want to drain the transmission oil and refill it..also change the hyd. filter (what a stupid design). It will also get another oil change in about 20 hours. We will also need to rebuild the mower deck (paint, bearings, belts, etc.).
The best part about today is that my son was interested and actually helped...willingly! Over the last few weeks he's actually shown a lot of interest in our tractors..including his '49 Cub that he's mostly ignored for the past 5 years. So, tomorrow he wants to put out a couple loads of manure with the Farmall 350 and then we are going to tear into the steering gearbox on his Cub. I love it when a plan comes together!
Well today I decided I was getting it started...or else. So, I charged up the battery, double checked all of my wiring connections, squirted some oil in each cylinder, and primed the oil pump. I turned the key and was shocked that the engine turned over like a big dog! I now had my 15 year old son's interest so he installed the spark plugs and we remounted the gas tank and sloshed some gas into it. I cranked it again and after about 10 seconds it fired right up and ran like a fine Swiss watch. I was surprised..my son was shocked.
A check of the electrical system voltage confirmed that the S/G was working perfectly. I was also able to confirm that there was good oil pressure (don't ask how). The hydraulics were also able to raise and lower the mower deck. After a couple 15 minute runs we drained the oil and refilled it with fresh 10W-30 and a pint of Marvel Mystery Oil. My son then proceeded to grease everything that had a zerk and a couple things that didn't.
On the to-do list I have the following: new light switch, new throttle assy, new throwout bearing, and possibly a new clutch. I also want to drain the transmission oil and refill it..also change the hyd. filter (what a stupid design). It will also get another oil change in about 20 hours. We will also need to rebuild the mower deck (paint, bearings, belts, etc.).
The best part about today is that my son was interested and actually helped...willingly! Over the last few weeks he's actually shown a lot of interest in our tractors..including his '49 Cub that he's mostly ignored for the past 5 years. So, tomorrow he wants to put out a couple loads of manure with the Farmall 350 and then we are going to tear into the steering gearbox on his Cub. I love it when a plan comes together!