The three Bolens Ride-a-matic's project - Part 5 (Engine investigation)

[@AndrewMidgley-z2u]

Another good video Joseph and good details too.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks Andrew. I hope these videos help a bit with your ride-a-matic projects. Take care

[@PetersonFarmsofNashvillePFON]

Great Video of engine teardown and diagnosis Love seeing the internal parts of a engine Tells a lot of what’s happening or going on with why it won’t run Thanks for sharing

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. This engine is in a bad way but we are thinking that it may be possible to rebuild it at some point. Take care

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good Evening Joseph, ( I hope that you had some snow ❄🥶👌👍) Ouff, that piston is full of Stuff In Deed 😵 Ho boy, that bottom connecting piston is broken 😮 Keep Up Your OUTSTANDING Father and Son Team Work Cheers 🍻🍻

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. For some reason the snow missed us which was not helpful. It is unusal for us to get snow before Christmas but I think we have more cold weather coming. It will be great if we can rebuild the engine but that is not going to be done now. Take care

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@GardenTractorBoy 👌👌😇😇👍👍🍻🍻

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Great video as always fellas. My guess is, the engine failed, and over time water entered the transmission, froze maybe and cracked or broke things. Or rusted parts together so it won’t turn. Will be interesting to see what the cause is. Typical engine failure. At first I was thinking the piston may have broke in half. Any way, great video, very interesting and I hope you both have a great week. 👍🏻👍🏻👋👋

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. It is very rare that it gets cold enough over here for frost damage to something like a gearbox but we are also thinking that the gearbox issue is due to lack of use. If that is the case, we have a plan. I hope we can rebuild the engine at some point in the future. Take care and I hope you have a great week too

[@bigsonslawncare]

Afraid to say I know a certain tractor 🚜 that may be headed in this same direction. I'll give the customer your # Joseph 😂

[@GardenTractorBoy]

I can't believe what has been happening to the tractor you are being asked to repair. It feels like more money than sense but it does keep you busy :-) Take care

[@RustyGlovebox]

Always an interesting part of the build when reviewing all the parts to get an idea the overall condition of the tractor. Nice work

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. One day I hope we will be better at working out what parts are required on a tractor as we always seem to get caught out with something. Take care

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Good afternoon Joseph!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Hello Gary, I hope everything is good with you. Take care

[@santaclause2875]

Great episode, Joseph! Gosh, it just reiterates how critically important frequent oil changes are for the life and longevity of an engine. Something that so many people neglect to do. Oil is cheap. Engines are not!!!!!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. I think you are spot on, this engine has not had any maintenance for a very long time. I am hoping we can rebuild it at some point. Take care

[@santaclause2875]

@@GardenTractorBoy Yes, and the rebuild process would make another great series of episodes for your channel.

[@gatorsworld]

The way the crank was reacting I had figured that the rod had broke off and that is exactly what you found. With the damage on the rod journal I’m sure you guys have a better candidate for a rebuild….we will see…..CHEERS

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We are thinking a replacement engine is the best way forward but it will be good to rebuild this at some point. Take care

[@gravelyman]

Hello Joseph. Lucky the block wasn't damaged as far as I can see. I hope you can do a successful rebuild. Take care my friend 🔧👍

[@GardenTractorBoy]

The block has some slight damage to the bottom of the cylinder but it does not look too bad. We do want to rebuild it but may put in a replacement to get the tractor running sooner. Take care

[@whenworkisplay]

Hello Joseph, I am not a mechanical guy, so I am always learning something in these videos. Very interesting. I am looking forward to discovering what the issue is with the gear box. Have a great week, Ben 👋😎👍

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks Ben. We are hoping that the gearbox issue is from not being used for a long time. If that is true, we have a plan. Take care and I hope you have a great week too

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Hey Joseph , I hate to see the connecting rod in pieces . Glad you got it torn down . 👍🏻

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks Del. We are just pleased the rod did not go through the side of the engine otherwise it really would be scrap. Take care

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Hello brother Joseph 👊 I love the old Kohler engines 😊 it's always a pleasure watching you tackle these projects. That is one crazy looking valves and piston buddy. You cleaned it up good though Great idea taping the holes before pulling the flywheel off buddy 👍 fantastic video brother thanks for sharing 😊

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. They are good engines and simple which is what we like. I don't think we could fix the complex engines you work on. We have started running a tap on all threads now, it does not take long and makes a huge difference. Take care

[@180Floridalife]

Very interesting to see all the layers of paint that have been applied over the years. Thanks and have a great one

[@GardenTractorBoy]

It does not look great with all those layers of paint but with our sea air and climate I guess it has stopped it from rusting. Take care and I hope you have a great weekend

[@daveshsb]

Great video Joseph! You made a lot of progress on that engine. Knowing what the issue is sure take the guessing out of how to fix it...if that is the path you chose. Thanks for sharing and take care!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. It would be good to rebuild this engine but I think the quickest way to getting a running tractor will be to replace the engine for the moment. Take care

[@oldirongarage1962]

I love engine teardown videos. Great job. It's unfortunate what you found inside the engine. Best of luck with it.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. We think it may be possible to rebuild the engine but for the moment we will put in a replacement. Take care

[@eyuptony]

Nice simple side valve engine. That must have gone with a bang. Interesting. Cheers Tony

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. I think you are right, it would not have just stopped. They are a great and simple engine if they are looked after. Take care

[@HuntingFarmerOfficial]

Plenty of carnage revealed inside that engine 😮

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We did suspect that is what we would find. The good news is that the rod did not make a bid for freedom through the side of the block so it may be possible to rebuild it. Take care

[@oologahgardentractorandcha3055]

Great video, hopefully you can turn the crank and acquire the parts to repair the engine

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. I hope we can get the parts but I think we will replace the engine until we can locate the parts and measure the crank. Take care

[@29chevbolenschannel40]

Looks like the engine will require some work and dollars to return it to a working condition but good that the coil is still functioning. Be interesting to see what is wrong inside the transmission as that may determine where you go with this particular tractor. Thanks for taking us along on the journey.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. We were surprised about the coil as I do not think originals are available any more and this one looks in great condition. We have never taken the transmission apart on one of these before so that could be fun although we have a couple of things to try first. We are very keen to get this tractor running and even though it has a number of issues, it is still a lot better than another 62RAM we have in storage. Thanks for following along, take care

[@loggerjohn01]

Hello folks! My one friend would call that engine a boat anchor lol. Wow! I think something was living in that thing! Lots of crud in there. It definitely is in need of some work lol. This engine rebuild should be interesting. Good luck

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. I don't think this engine has been looked after at all, even by the animal living in it :-) We will have a go at rebuilding it but for the moment I think we will swap the engine. Take care

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? That engine has had a hard life I would say. I liked how, as you were checking things over, you were surmising what possible causes of the problems could be. That's a great trouble shooting and diagnostic tactic. The mess on top of the piston wasn't good but then the mess in the sump kind of made the top of the piston look pretty good! LOL I hope you can make the necessary repairs to this engine. It would be nice to see it running again. Thanks for this tear down video. Take 'er easy!!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. I don't think this engine has had any love for a very long time. I think we can rebuild it but for now we will swap in another engine. Take care

[@richardross7219]

Nice video. I have come across Kohlers with no compression like yours. I pulled the plug and used a bent wire to feel if the exhaust valve was stuck(usually). I would then spray Marvel Mystery Oil towards the valve and let it sit for a few days with the sparkplug back in. I made a tool from a 3/16" rod to push the valve down. I rotated the crank to bring the valve open again and pushed it back down again. I repeated this until the valve was free. I would then get the engine running and put MMO in the gas. If nothing else was wrong the engines were fine for many years. That broken rod is a problem. Hopefully you only need to polish the crank and put in a new piston and rod. Good Luck, Rick

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Great tips on the valuves, thanks. The crank is badly scored and will need to be machined assuming we can make it work with an oversized rod. For the moment we will likely put a replacement engine in. Take care

[@richardross7219]

@@GardenTractorBoy I've used a dealer on Epay for Kohler rebuilding kits. I think he was "One Man's Shop" or something like that. They seemed okay. In the late 1970s, Kohlers had a habit of the pistons breaking along the piston ring groove. I've got 2 of them to do. Good Luck, Rick

[@GardenTractorBoy]

@@richardross7219 Thanks for the information about the rebuild kits, we will check them out. I think all the parts available these days are made overseas

[@botabob]

It appears that the engine did not have regular oil changes. It did not have very much oil in the crankcase when it was drained. The poor fella was not taken care of in my opinion. Good luck sourcing a new/used engine. Enjoy the journey - cheers

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. We have been thinking about the cause of the failure since making the video and we agree with your opinion. I think we will look for a replacement engine but we have not given up on this engine yet. Take care

[@retiredforlife63]

I’d have to suggest that your engine is just about ready for scrapping. Considering the valve issue, I suspect you won’t have a good cam shaft ether. That’s unfortunate. I’ll be interested to what you decide to do with it. Good luck!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We are hoping we can rebuild the engine at some point but it will take time to get the parts. We have some spare engine parts but I am not sure if we have a usable crank. As the exhaust valve tends to stick open rather than closed, the camshaft is usuially good but we have not checked that yet. A replacement engine will be the quickest way to get this tractor running. Take care

[@TheCanadianBubba]

If they make oversize bearings you should be able to fix the crank. If the bore is damaged maybe they make .020 over pistons ? Could be quite a hot rod if they do 👍

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We know we can get a .020 piston but I think we can only get a .010 rod so I guess it depends on how deep the scoring in on the crank. Hotrod sounds cool :-) Take care

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

wow that is a mess, a bit metal glue won't fix that, look forward to your decision on what you going to do 👍

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. It would be great if glue would do the job :-) Short term we will look for a replacement but it would be good to rebuild this one at some point. Take care

[@trinitytoo]

I am envious of your great working setup. How do you get the tractor onto the table?

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks, I hope we can continue to improve our workshop in the future. We have a small hydraulic lift which we use to put the tractors onto the table. Take care

[@DIYVariety]

Maybe its that platypus in harry potter in the gear box😊 but it looks as though you have some exploring to do.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

LOL. We have something to try before taking the gearbox apart. Take care

[@trinitytoo]

Do you have an idea what might have caused the damage?

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We are thinking that it may have been poor maintenance. The engine oil was low and it looked like it had not been changed for a long time. The piston also looked a slightly different colour too which may suggest it overheated. Take care

[@EverydayProjects]

If you ever get the chance to get a petrol-powered pressure washer you'll notice a marked improvement over electric ones. I had an electric Karcher and it was feeble compared to the petrol one I have now. I cannot be certain, but when you turned the crankshaft, I think the piston and exhaust valve should move too. Also, not sure if those broken parts should be in the sump? Looks like you have a rebuild project in the future!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks for the information about the pressure washer, we are not happy with the electric one. At least the broken parts were in the sump and they did not make a bid for freedom out of the side of the block. It would be good to rebuild it at some point. Take care

[@barryewalt3250]

Not a good ending to the video but you will get it sorted out.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. We hope we can get the engine rebuilt at some point but for the moment, we will look for a replacement. Take care

[@OpenAirAdventure]

Not good Joseph. I wonder what actually happened. Are you thinking over reved?

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We are not sure although we are thinking that it may have been poor maintenance. The oil level was low and did not look like it had been changed for a long time. The colouring on the piston may suggest that it overheated. Over revving is another possible cause. Take care

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Joseph, Interesting video, do you have or are there available replacement conrod? If the bore & piston is not damages and you have a replacement conrod the only questionable thing would be the big end journal... which could be reground but costs would be getting slightly out of control I suspect. I look forward to seeing what you decide to do... Take care. Paul,,

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks. We can get replacement conrods but only oversized to .010 so we may have to find a replacement crank. The bore is already .010 but we could get it bored to .020. We are currently talking to a local engine machine shop to try to understand pricing for these small engines. For the moment we will replace the enging but we hope to rebuild this at some point. Take care

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

oh man, yeah, that engine was never going to start the way it was.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

That is not what you want to see when you look into and engine but we were not surprised. I hope it will live again at some point but for now we will engine swap the tractor. Take care

[@MissouriOldTimer]

I wouldn't think the engine and transmission problems are actually related,, but I might be wrong.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We have been thinking about it since posting this video and I think you are right. We are now thinking that the transmission problem may be from sitting around after the engine issue. Assuming that is the case, we have a plan. Take care

[@derekdoble4438]

I feel like the only reason the crankshaft rocks back an forth has to do with the counter weights of the crankshaft.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

I think you are right however if the connecting rod and piston were connected I would not have expect it to rock back and forth due to the friction within the bore, or at least I don't think so. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care

[@larrybl]

Looks like a parts engine from here.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

It does feel that way but it would be good if we can rebuild it at some point in the future. Take care