John Deere 400 Garden Tractor Restoration Start to Finish

#johndeere400 #tractorrestoration #smallenginerepair
In this video I restore a non-running John Deere 400 Garden Tractor.
For the Kohler K532 engine rebuild I used all engine parts from iSaveTractors!
Specs on the engine rebuild:
.020 IST Piston Kits
.010 main bearings
New Cam Bearings
New IST Valves
Valve Seats Re-Cut
All Gaskets and Seals
Cylinder Heads Flattened
Connecting Rods Resized
New IST Carburetor
New IST Ignition Coil
New IST Points, Condenser
New IST Spark Plugs and Wires
Ignition timed with Timing Light
Tractor Rebuild:
New Wheel Bearings
1,000 Lumen LED Headlights IST
New Tail lights
New Seat
Center Fender Decal
New Hardware
Ruegg 3 Point Hitch
All Engine parts available from: www.isavetractors.com
Check Us out on Facebook, and Instagram!
Amazon Affiliate Links for KZbin:
Micrometer set I recommend:
amzn.to/2T8nW4u
Telescoping Bore Gauge:
amzn.to/2S0GciX
Wrench Set I Use:
amzn.to/2RSwz71
Impact Sockets I Use:
amzn.to/2FTfzXD
Favorite Shop Knife:
amzn.to/2CSHyCT
Digital Calipers:
amzn.to/2SaOy80
Feeler Gauge Set
amzn.to/2FUFw9u
Safety Glasses I wear in the Shop
amzn.to/2S9TDgK
My Fluke Multimeter
amzn.to/2Sj3OzP
Torque Wrench:
amzn.to/2CMx9sq
Send us Mail:
iSaveTractors
PO Box 214
Hollis Center, ME 04042
Thank You for Saving the Tractors
Music: www.purple-planet.com
Music: www.bensound.com/royalty-free...
Disclaimer:
This video has been edited for length and clarity. This video doesn't show every step involved during the restoration process.
Small Engines and Tractors are inherently dangerous. This video is intended for entertainment and demonstration purposes only. Viewing, commenting, liking, sharing, or subscribing does not constitute a professional relationship with us. iSaveTractors and its subsidiaries are not responsible for any injury or accident as a result of viewer actions. Always exercise caution when working with or on any engine or equipment.

[@kennolte5801]

I just ran across this video as a recent subscriber to the channel. It is of particular interest to me as I have a JD 420 at home that I have not used in several years. I can't really bring myself to sell it so this looks like a logical step. Great work on saving a true old workhorse. Anyone that ever used any of the 317 thru 430 models would most likely agree. Sad there are none of the new ones built like that anymore. Thanks for the inspiration and kick in the pants to work on mine.

[@michaelbenoit248]

Ken Nolte, no joke. This kinda helped cuz I’ve got a 82 212 that’s been sitting in our barn for 7 months because I’m 16 and I bought a truck that needs work, so it was kinda sad for me to do it but I had to park it. Then 7 months later after my truck is in good working order, I finally decided to revive it, re sealing the head/gasket, new carb I bought on amazon from “I-SAVE-TRACtORS” and fuel system-fuel lines and filters, checked the ignition timing, changed the oil, and am re-painting some of the panels now. I’m really excited to finally drive it again. You can view the progress at MikeJD60. That’s my channel I’m just on my personal account.

[@kennolte5801]

@@michaelbenoit248 I'll look it up when I get home. Good to see you rescuing an old tractor. Good for you. I'm looking forward to seeing your project.

[@CTSully1]

OUTSTANDING JOB! She has a new heart and is ready to get back to work. I did the same with a 430. Such great machines!

[@Isavetractors]

Thank you!

[@michaelbenoit248]

CTSully1, the power of these old machines is of old American steel. That NO new machine can replace. I own a JD212 and it runs like new. Very hard to kill.

[@RustyZipper]

Damn Norman, only 15 minutes to restore that! 👍 I’ve got a Cub Cadet 169 waiting for you !

[@3rdofthree]

Hands down one of the most impressive restoration videos I’ve seen. Well done! Excellent videography, restoration, & outcome. Now back to searching to find one for myself!!!

[@mrdennes3746]

This video was well done. I appreciate that you do these and would love to see you restore a 60s or 70s era Wheel Horse. Keep up the great work!

[@daveb1081]

That sucker is a real bruiser!!! Always wanted one!

[@jimmydoyebi5885]

I really like this John Deere 400 that you restored. Wish i could find one. You do a great job on all your work and videos. Thank you Norman.

[@sancoffsr]

That is one my favorite tractors great job what a beautiful tractor

[@blairguinea6811]

Awesome job Norman...........number 1 mechanic !

[@matthewheeke4377]

Norman you are amazing at what you do brother! I love to see these great machines brought back to life.

[@nickstosz6730]

Gorgeous, wish I had the mechanical ability and time to rebuild these. Love the older garden tractors...

[@machone7580]

Another CLASSIC Deere saved! YAY!! Nice work!

[@mrfrog3350]

Nice save Norman. Looks better than new!

[@WillCN514]

looks absolutely amazing (john deere is definetly my fave)

[@PaulieDetmurds]

The painting was my favorite part,..something I will be doing a lot of here!

[@usapatriot4513]

Must be a lot of fun restoring those old garden tractors which to me are well worth it because the older ones were built to last not like today’s junk. Keep on making your videos they are enjoyable to watch.

[@donaldpine3543]

Beautiful job!

[@MexicanWarPanda]

Killed it! great Job and looks fantastic!

[@tsstn]

Norman, I LOVE WHAT YOU DO! I can not say enough how fantastic your work is to me. I love old garden tractors as well. I have about 7 whole tractors in various states and watching your videos is like watching my own imagination spring to life. Your work is very inspiring and for that I must say thank you. Happy Thanksgiving sir, I hope you and your family have a great Holiday.

[@mentholman3201]

Bravo! Excellent job!!

[@frios011]

WOW!!! THAT IS AN AMAZING JOB!!!

[@robertjordan9075]

Your videos are inspirational, thanks for sharing.

[@mitchrenee]

Thanks for doing what you’re doing!

[@morpar318]

I remember when I was a kid i built one of those .& I put on a dual Mikuni carburetor setup with a dual exhaust running through a couple of cherry bombs glass packs that was one of the funniest tractors I've had.

[@frios011]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@ForestToFarm]

Nice job! I need that tractor!

[@MachineryNation]

Great job, looks really good!

[@bigbull2002new]

beautiful work! This is the only kind of used tractor i would buy.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Great job and thanks for filming it in a way that lets viewers slow down just the procedures we want to see the specific details of. If you’d cleaned up the smudged yellow handle on the deck lift (try 99% isopropyl alcohol), it would look brand new. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with this great video.

[@bhamby9305]

awsome thanks

[@chrisallen3741]

This is awesome, i live near Waterville, maine..i saw the sticker on it from Hammond tractor…how cool

[@aramirez8427]

I saved a 1962 wheel horse lawn ranger......use it around my pecan trees.....great job

[@marriedyoung7579]

Good job 👍

[@martykimble9999]

You do awesome work!

[@Hockey47Mitsch]

Looks great Norman!

[@2naturesownplace]

love it

[@DanzTanks]

That Deere turned out amazing man. Newer sub to the channel. Love what ur doing please keep it up 1000%. Keep the green machine videos coming in the future

[@craigtate5930]

Great job! I just got a 400 a week ago also. Talk about an upgrade from my 214...gotta chase some gremlins though...love that power steering and 60" deck :)

[@TheRadioShop]

Great restore job! I love old tractors and just found your video. Restored a original 1972 MTD 1500 (MTD 990 series) a couple of years ago. I also have a 1949 Minneapolis Molene ZAU tractor on the list one day. Two weeks ago I bought a 1954 Massey Harris Pony tractor fully working that I will restore. I mostly do vintage electronic videos but love this stuff. Thanks for a great video. Subscribed!

[@thekirbyguy208]

Extremely good paint job

[@mcarroll598]

Very nice. What an awesome tractor!

[@chuckhaynes6458]

Beautiful job.

[@mattbrennan8088]

thats pretty cool. I do wish they still made those, complete powerhouse of a small tractor

[@nathanbottjer6141]

i have a 1975 restored with its kohler. great machines. I also have been doing how to videos. You have put together a Great video!!

[@interman7715]

Great job ,man that things got a hulking engine.

[@chaddikeman6561]

Impressive as always! Ive been lurking on here for a while watching your vids. You inspired me and I just acquired a 1965 JD 110 I will be restoring.

[@michaelbenoit248]

Chad Dikeman, nice project I did that same thing and bought an 82 JD212. Got it running, but long story short because of its age it needs some TLC and some $$$.

[@stuffyoucando2]

Looks great! Makes me want to give mine a makeover but it’s all original and in nice shape so I wanted to keep it that way. Maybe I need to buy another...

[@DKTractors]

Hell of a job!

[@carlhelmick8104]

That was a really nice job

[@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950]

That lawn tractor had a 3 point on it? Amazing. Also a cast iron block. That was built for the long haul. Nice job.

[@saulgoodmanfromthehittvsho1314]

*Garden Tractor lol, those things are beasts m80!

[@AppalatchieRaised]

The K532/582 was the pinnacle of flathead engines. The overhead valve engines of today more readily comply with new EPA regs and are more fuel efficient, but the torque these engines produced is legendary

[@stephenmarshall3478]

Very nice job! Thumbs up!

[@RUBBERGLOVE293]

Very nice work,

[@sonsofmccormick1296]

I gotta say, im and IH/cub cadet man, but that john deere 400 is quite impressive... excellent work!

[@skippyjones2077]

Hey Great job love the old tractors I have a 1966 landlord simplicity want to do the same thing to that thank you for sharing... 💪👍

[@RustyZipper]

Looks great 💚👍💯

[@stefanivassvika]

Nice job.👍👍

[@richardweidner9719]

Beautiful

[@Natethanastysnake666]

You're talented brotha! Great job

[@Isavetractors]

Thank you!

[@starkgary]

I love me a Ruegg 3 point.

[@Isavetractors]

Agreed! It is nice!

[@jayrhoads3147]

The 400 series seems to be a good tractor. You did an excellent job. Looks great.

[@daveb1081]

Built like tanks from what I've heard. Always wanted one but I've gotta move out from home first!

[@castrolgtx5064]

Great video👍

[@MrRoundb]

Good call on the new carb

[@crazyfarmerbro1136]

very good job well done

[@avelezusmc7929]

Very valuable skill to have

[@bondernapogotland]

Nice 👍🏻👍🏻

[@harrisonfowler4461]

She's a beaut, Clark

[@pyro323]

nice job fella

[@FloridaDeere]

Nice job Norman, you make me want to run out and buy the next 400 I see.

[@gunner69adg]

Love your magic

[@Isavetractors]

:)

[@martybeaudry5747]

very nice work

[@johnmeckjoy9601]

Good Job

[@davesmith2907]

Yeah, I caught the IH hat too, But Great to see the old JD 400 come back to life. Use to be something I enjoyed doing few years ago myself.... Sure don't make them like that anymore!

[@marcus57085]

Awesome man. I am making plans to restore my old Gravely Pro 50 with a Kawasaki 12 HP engine. I have seen some useful tips on how you are doing well to see.

[@garybelanger4264]

Wow Norman nice job hope you hold on to it, really something to be proud of :-)

[@ukaszkielar4872]

Nice Job;)

[@ruston48]

Nice, it seemed to have good original paint which just wanted a clean and polish

[@FromSteelToWood]

Wow Norman! You do really save tractors, that's for sure! You also help other save their own with parts and good video like this one! I saw in a comment below there is some K engines rebuilt video to come! You bet I'll be watching it! Will you do Bolens soon? Thanks!

[@pauljohansson7697]

I just subscribed to your channel and hello from New Hampshire.

[@tommymann69]

John deere is one tough mower. I own a lesco 48 inch walk behind john deere brought out lesco

[@donaldswink6259]

Beautiful restoration job. Like the look of that John deere 400

[@conservativecrusader80]

Good job Norman. Those 400s are workhorses, im sure you will lots of uses and the amount of capabilities they possess. Just a question, my father-in-law acquired an early jd214 w hyd lift, definitely a project but its all there. I've often overlooked the 200 series until now and man they can do alot! If you find a 200 series cheap i love to see you restore one and put it to work. Glad i subed awhile back.

[@michaelbenoit248]

Adam Engelberth, yeah so back in late August of 2017 I acquired an 82 JD212 for $250 on Craigslist bright it home cleaned the carb/fuel system, put a seat cover on the existing one ($30 Amazon), cleaned the paint up, new ignition switch, aired up the tires fresh battery, and she runs like a dream. Since I was 15 and bought a truck I had to park it becuase it needed a carb because it was running like crap and yes I did set the timing/points on it that helped but still ran like crap. So new carb, new fuel lines, new tube in one of the rear tires, new points, fresh oil change, and needed some attention on the charging system as well as a new PTO switch, new springs on the drive train, and many other things. The thing is 37 and almost 38yrs old. Most mowers never make it that far. Being that I bought a truck all the money that would be spent on the 212 went to my truck so I parked it. If you search MikeJD60 I own the Chanel I’m just on another account. But yeah the 200 series mowers are great not to big and not to small just right. Except for the wide turning radius.

[@kiffd9662]

Watched this video 2 years ago. Bought a junk mower a year ago to repair it. Guess what I still haven’t even got started on that junk mower lol.

[@brianphilbrook5262]

Holy mackerel!! You did a heck of a job looks brand new. That would make a good tractor loader backhoe. What’s the size differences between that and the simplicity 4041 you showed awhile back?

[@Isavetractors]

A little Shorter, and about 300 pounds lighter. It would make a great Backhoe Loader Platform, which I may do in the future.

[@andy72xbox]

Do it! Build it into a TLB. That 149 was an awesome build but this would be amazing.

[@DNGJustSnakes]

What's a good source for parts for an old Gravely 812? Would love to find a 3 point for it

[@TheGuruStud]

It's only a mower to me

[@PhatboyHD88]

I been waiting on this video,,, awesome buddy thanks...you gonna do like a walk around video of it also ? That would be a good video also ..

[@Isavetractors]

I just filmed the walk around! Give me a couple of days to edit it, and it will be here.

[@glenirwin1110]

Amazing! Get an IH 982 to complete the collection. (JD 400 & IH 982 way better than anything made today)

[@davedave3631]

Imagine how awesome it would be if you slowed down and took the time to explain everything you did, Norm. People interested in rebuilding engines would appreciate it; people interested in repainting tractors would be interested. Who knows, you might draw a lot more subscribers by thoroughly explaining things. Just something to consider.

[@Isavetractors]

Be sure to check out this channel as I already have lots of restoration videos with full commentary. 👍👍

[@timseabee]

I mowed many a yard, and plowed a lot of snow on one of them when I was a teen.

[@jaac7546]

Your skills are amazing. Could really use some dialog. Tips and tricks. I'm trying to learn how to do many of these things for the first time. Like painting. Prep and finish sanding. Your knowledge is very important. Thanks. Big fan.

[@Isavetractors]

Thanks. Check out the Simplicity Poeermax or Ford 120 projects for full commentary

[@Dailyinput244]

I just did a Briggs re-power on my 400.

[@tonysantana1493]

Wow Norman you did an awesome job, are you selling it or using it around the property. I hope you keep it, would love to see more videos in action!!!

[@Isavetractors]

Thanks! I'm keeping it and using it here. I'm filming more videos with it already.

[@gordhildreth4630]

When getting the cylinder head flat never sand back and forth, ALWAYS FIGURE EIGHT!!

[@zahirallen8883]

I realize Im pretty randomly asking but does anybody know of a good place to watch new tv shows online?

[@gideonzayn7237]

@Zahir Allen I use Flixzone. Just search on google for it :)

[@michaelbenoit248]

I wish all tractor restorations took 15.08 minutes

[@j_w_customs_3433]

Is it yours to keep? Great job!!!

[@johnhall1614]

Always looks good what kind of paint do you use

[@michaelbenoit248]

Hey Norman, just bought your K301 carburetor for my 212-12hp

[@Isavetractors]

Thank you for your business!

[@marcospiteri4055]

Norman, thx for the great videos! I just bought a well running JD 400. I was thinking of getting a front end loader for it. Any thoughts? what about a backhoe? Trying to do this cheap and cheerful. I have an old Massy 50 but its really underpowered these days. I have an ATV snow blade that I want to try and mount on it once I get the loader (like another of your videos). I have the Snow blower and a 60" deck for it, so it will be really useful for me, I hope.

[@beargibson3100]

I once put a k582 in a 317

[@bermudarailway]

Beautiful job. 81 people are jealous of your skills.

[@Cole-xq2tl]

You ought to do a JD 455. Those mowers run like a Cummins diesel. They're insanely hard to break. We've put 2k hours on ours since it was new in 2001 and i haven't had to take the head or pan off yet. That little Yanmar diesel has worn out the deck gearbox, a full set of 3 deck spindles, the sediment bowl, and 1 fuel line, not to mention 3 sets of front tires!

[@michaelbenoit248]

cole west, man that’s one heck of a mower. I’m a diesel fan and own a JD212 and want to do a diesel swap. And yes I have heard a lot of good things about those motors. Have you put a turbo on it yet, or does it have one. You’ll double the HP and torque. I’m an OBS 7.3 owner and a good turbo diesel is good stuff.

[@michaelowens935]

Looks good ! What all sizes can you put the 3 point hitch on ? 317 and up ?

[@Isavetractors]

You can put a 3 point on any of these vintage garden tractor class machines.