Gravely Rust Bucket

[Joe Shaffer]

BACKGROUND: I picked up a Model L Gravely walking tractor with the little 30" brush hog style mower in front. The seller mentioned it had been sitting outside and had not run for 7 years that he knew of. Thought it might be fun taking it apart and attempting to getting it running. Soooo, he got $20 and I got the bucket of rust. I can hand turn the motor through 3 of the 4 strokes. I canot turn it thru the exhaust stroke so I assume the exhaust valve is frozen. To get at the exhaust valve with Kroil I need to remove the manifold which is held on with two bolts (less problem than removing the head). I have been soaking the bolts for 3 days with Kroil, they won't budge, I don't want to twist them off (3/8") and the only heat I have access to is a propane torch. QUESTION: Any tips for removing exhaust manifold bolts which are probably heat welded as well as rusted in place??? Thanks Guys. Joe.

[johnbron]

If you have room you can try a nut splitter on them. I have 2 of them (1-large & 1-small) that split good on soft nuts. Or you also could carefully grind 1 side down and finish with a chisel. If its a Gravely its well worth fixin.


"OOPS", I goofed. I just reread your post and I see you are working on removing bolts not nuts.

[Ron L]

Joe. It may also be worth it to take the head off, (Just to clean everything up). Gravely head gaskets are still readily available. You can get a good look at the piston top and the two valve seats. I love the way those one lungers are put together. Very simple. Then replace the head bolts when re-assembling.

[Joe Shaffer]

Ron - Yeah, you are probably right. What I was trying to do in advance of that step was strap spin the motor to see if the Bendix magneto was any good. But, I can't spin the motor till the exhaust valve is freed up and I can't soak the valve properly till the exhaust manifold is removed and the two frozen manifold bolts are preventing removal of the manifold. Sooo, without knowing anything else to do I am continuing to soak the bolts with Kroil.

[Ron L]

Be careful with where the exhaust manifold bolts on. The cast metal is very brittle (experience!)

[Buzzard Wing]

You got a deal!!!
Except I am going to use the new Cub to do what I used to do with the Gravely LI.....
They are awesome machines, but give you a bit of a work out.