John Deere 185 Lawn Tractor Restoration It Runs! Ep.9

[@stejef8338]

With the fuel valve open, pressurize/blow into the fuel tank to force fuel out of the tank through the fuel line all the way up to the carburetor..and there is no need for any starting fluid, which dries out the cylinder..pouring good gas in the carb works just fine. Nice tractor!

[@MrPhotodoc]

"Turn the fuel on". Classic!

[@captainedc]

Beautiful job. The 38 deck on my 185 literally takes me 2 hours to install. Something is not right how it fits.

[@jshoffner67]

You did a great job sir. I’ve saved all this playlist to help me with my first complete restore. 1990 JD 160!! Got it completely disassembled and ready to sand blast, prep and paint.

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

Its a lot of work, but it's worth it!

[@badgerbob2226]

nice looking.rig.

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

It's getting close, thanks for the view!

[@warrenwhitlatch6793]

Quick Question about the drive belt you did here, I cannot for the life of me get this drive belt back on, slipped off on my son who was mowing the other day. Tensioner releases and I feel it move, but it will not reach the drive train pulley. Any advice greatly appreciated and beautiful restoration

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

Do you have a diagram to make sure you have proper routing? It will test your patience, I do remember that much.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

Turn the fuel on Jason! 🤣 I got a good laugh out of that my friend! 😂 thing's coming together and cant wait to see it finished 😃👍

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

Yeah, I felt pretty stupid about that. Starts right up now though.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

@@sparksfireandbalingwire8467 no need to feel stupid buddy. Happens to everyone👍

[@vancecountryman3695]

What size belt runs from the engine to the mower deck. I’ve tried a 60” but it seems small.

[@3rdcoastobs467]

She fought ya tooth and nail on that first start up! I remember around 2 summers ago I was trying to start my pressure washer, for 30 minutes I was fighting it, to the point of pulling the gas can and lines.....yea I looked over and saw I had the line closed....we’ve all been there my friend.

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

I have too, didnt need to do it on video though!!!

[@shawnhall2012]

Very nice restoration. I have a JD 185 Hydro I've been working on for quite a while. I noticed when you turn the fly wheel manually it makes an odd honking sound. I was concerned when I heard this on mine. I assume this is normal now since it didn't stand out to you.

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

Yep, nothing to worry about there.

[@shawnhall2012]

@@sparksfireandbalingwire8467 How much do you know about the internals of the engine? I had some oil on the spark plug. Trying to determine whether or not its worth it to dig into. Is there a gasket to replace, or would be a failing component that would be more than an engine replacement..? Thanks!

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

@@shawnhall2012 Did you have the engine removed at any point? I had oil on mine due to the engine sitting partially tipped for a long time. If not, it could be from worn valve guides or worn piston rings.

[@shawnhall2012]

@@sparksfireandbalingwire8467 No engine removal. But I did have to remount a few different tires. May have had it on a jack for a few days or more while I got it done. Not sure if that is enough time or elevation. I think I got the oil cleaned out but still not sure why the engine wouldn't turn over.

[@shawnhall2012]

@@sparksfireandbalingwire8467 Well, it's cranking and turning over, but not starting. Everything seems to be operating fine, with the exception of still some oil on the spark plug. It's dark oil, am I correct to assume this is older worn oil? I've changed the oil at least twice since it ran last (because of repairs). Could it be residual oil, if so, how did you remove oil from yours? If not, should I assume a damaged engine maybe not worth the repairs? It really wants to turn over, but just can't. Had brief combustion last night and a backfire but that was it. Anything else cause oil in the plug chamber? Thanks.