185 Engine Seized?

[fourbz1962]

It also shows that he didn't replace the starter like he said, although the voltage regulator appears new. I blew out all the cylinders with compressed air before pouring oil in them and did get some particles blowing back out. I'd already decided to do as you suggest and pull the head and pistons once it's freed up. I'll also replace main and rod bearings at that time and do a valve job.

[Eugene]

Did you put the tractor in 3rd gear and rock the tractor backward?

Checked for a stuck valve?

I wouldn't tear into the engine until I knew the source of the problem. There are several other things that could lock up an engine besides rusted pistons and rings.

Remove the allen plug on the left side of the tractor, just in front of the oil pump. Put about 2 cups of engine oil into the allen plug opening. This will prime the oil pump and put oil in the rod and main bearings.

The belt for the starter/generator, fan, and engine pulley has to be pretty snug, otherwise the belt slips.

[fourbz1962]

No I haven't tried rocking it yet. I was going to wait a few days. I could see a bunch of carbon build-up while looking down through plug holes. So I'm pretty sure it's the pistons. Hopefully I can get it freed up and get a compression test. Thanks for info on priming the oil pump!

[Mortgaged]

In my experience, carbon build-up doesn't typically seize up an engine so you may have to keep looking? I would definitely stay on track with soaking the engine with your favorite (Marvel Mystery, Sea foam, Diesel fuel, Injector cleaner, Trans fluid, etc. etc.) to see if it will free up that way first. Part of the longevity of these engines is that they will "run good" despite taking a lot of abuse over the last 40+ years.

Post some pictures and let us know what you find. We all hope you get this one running soon!

Oh yeah, heck of a deal at $500!

[fourbz1962]

No luck rocking this thing, so I've decided to try pulling it backwards with a truck and see if that works.

[staninlowerAL]

IMHO you have too much to loose do that. Don't be surprised if you break something.

From a previous post you wrote: "I'd already decided to do as you suggest and pull the head and pistons once it's freed up. " Did you remove the head and check the pistons?

[fourbz1962]

You're right, I guess I'll just try to turn it over forwards with a socket on the crankshaft

[fourbz1962]

No, the head is still on it. Was really hoping to get it turning and possibly running instead of pulling the head, but I realize that this will have to be my next step if I can't get it loosened up.

[auburn]

I was just given a 184 that had the same problem..I put penetrating oil in each cyl and let it set a day or two and its free now.(By the way..how does the water pump work on there engines?)

[staninlowerAL]

There is no water pump, it's a thermo siphon cooling system on a C60 engine.

[auburn]

There is no water pump, it's a thermo siphon cooling system on a C60 engine.

Thank you..thats new to me!

[staninlowerAL]

There is no water pump, it's a thermo siphon cooling system on a C60 engine.

Thank you..thats new to me!

You can download free pdf manuals for the owner's manual, C60 engine, tractor, implements, etc. and a lot more information from the links at the top of this page. Look for PDF MANUALS and/or RUDI'S MANUALS, then NUMBERED SERIES LOBOY, then the tabs for the specific subject/tractor.

[mastercraft]

There is no water pump, it's a thermo siphon cooling system on a C60 engine.

Thank you..thats new to me!

it actually works pretty decent.....meaning the thermo-siphon design

[BigBill]

I'd try kroil oil in the cylinders first, jack up one rear wheel and rock it back and fourth every day and soak it again with kroil. It's stuck from sitting.

[Bob cramer]

Would add. Seafoam and PB spray in plug socket. As said let it sit then rock it in third gear. Best advise. Give it time. Weeks if necessary. Should do the trick.