Repower for 1978 184

[mbalsup]

Here I sit looking at my partially disassembled, tired 184 with a Kubota V2203 deisel sitting next to it. Am I crazy? Has anyone done this before?

I am retired and the 184 is up for restoration. I am tired of the anemic C60 gas engine that chokes when the PTO and belly mower engage.

Kubota is rated for 34+HP at 2200rpm.

Looking for your input....

[Bob McCarty]

Gary Dotson put a Kubota 3 cylinder diesel in an F Cub (and called it Cubota) so it can be done. There were lots of mods that he had to make to fit it in and replace Cub parts. Here's a link that shows some picture on the second page: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=76473&p=614598&hilit=cubota#p614598

[mbalsup]

I have seen that, thanks. V2203 is a 4 cylinder. As far as fab, I have a "very complete" shop. I've been restoring european, Japanese and American cars for clients, part-time for almost 40 years. I'n not afraid of fab work.

[Eugene]

Rebuilding the C60 engine will greatly improve the tractor's performance.

2nd answer. Since the Cub is under powered and to light weight for many tasks, buy a bigger more modern tractor.

[Don McCombs]

I understand the challenge of doing something because you want to, or because you can. But, I have to agree with Eugene. Get a bigger tractor.

[Gary Dotson]

The engine in Cubota is a four cylinder V-800, about 20hp at considerably higher rpm than the C-60. Personally, I think your 2203 is much too large for your application, you won't be able to use even half of it's output. I've seen several number series tractors with diesel conversions using various engine brands. That's a pretty easy one to convert, but I would choose a smaller engine. Save that one for a Super A conversion.

[outdoors4evr]

The frame of the 184 enables easier engine swaps. The tractor is not depending on the engine block for structural integrity. Do some measuring to see if the engine will fit within the frame without cutting a lot of material from the frame.

I do agree with others though, a rebuilt 184 is a very capable mowing machine. You would probably be satisfied with a well-rebuilt engine. Upgrades such as a pertronix iginition may also be helpful. The years of use and thousands of hours of wear have likely robbed half the horsepower.

[mbalsup]

Well guys, I listened to your comments and abandoned my quest to put the Kubota V2203 in my 184.

However, I am now the elated owner of a 3 cylinder, liquid-cooled Yanmar TNA72UJ out of a John Deere F935 mower. It's destned for the 184.

A quick check out reveals compression so low that it won't fire. New head and radiator two years ago after a serious overheat episode. They did not re-ring at that time so, no joy condition. Nice to gave the history on this mower. My ex- son in law owns the shop that serviced it.

Just pulling the engine and planning trip to the machineshop for a major. In the meantine pulling the 184 into the shop for a winter frame-apart restoration and preparation to recieve the Yanmar when she gets back from the machineshop.

Anyone interested in a thread to document my progress?

On another note, my son, a diesel Cummins Service Tech, just dropped four APU's in my lap. 3 Kohler 2 cyl. liquid cooled and 1 Yanmar 2 cyl. liquid cooled diesels.

When it rains, it pours!

[Bob McCarty]

Definitely do a thread on the transplant.

[BigBill]

I think I can upgrade the c60 hp with some porting, boring, adding high compression pistons, cut the deck and head to clean. Add a spring to the govenor. Change the cfm in the zenith carb. Add alarger diameter exhaust pipe to the 154 manifold. Add a temperature controlled fan to the radiator. Beef up the clutch springs.

[BigBill]

The first thing to upgrade is the frame. Welds are missing. The bending moment must be reduced. It’s really weak in the front half section.

[Duner]

"Anyone interested in a thread to document my progress?"
You bet, Please do post about your adventure,

[BigBill]

When in good running condition and tuned properly the c60 is a good power plant.

[wagonmaster]

Heck Yah. Love to follow interesting projects.

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

Heck Yah. Love to follow interesting projects.

me too, however, don't forget that everything behind that engine was designed for 10 HP, and using it for anything more than show may get disappointing.