C121 Hydro for my parents. (and an introduction)

[ebinmaine 63,218]

The Power Washing Department got after the replacement frame today. 

 

Then a wash with acetone. 

 

Then some Rust-Oleum 2X Satin Canyon Black. 

 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

[ebinmaine 63,218]

We finished removing the steering tower, brake linkage and unbolted the frame. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the brake band we removed. 

More info here: 

 

 

 

These two pics show why I decided to replace the frame instead of attempting to repair. 

 

 

 

[c-series don 7,846]

Looks like now is a good time to make sure that the tow/push valve is working. Nice and easy to get to as it sits. 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

4 hours ago, c-series don said:

Looks like now is a good time to make sure that the tow/push valve is working. Nice and easy to get to as it sits. 

 

 

Thanks for that reminder. 

I checked. Works good. 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

We got the brake band situation figured out. 

Video below. 

 

 

 

 

 

The transmission is cleaned up and frame mounted. 

 

Trina noticed the old fuel tank grommet was seeping a tad. I put in a new Aircraft Spruce Company single 90⁰ lever valve and new grommet. 

 

 

 

Voltage Regulator is off to be cleaned up for better ground. 

 

 

Some minor setback on the engine being bolted in place. 

We swapped the Kerber solid mounts to the proper position. Used all 8 new grade 8  1/4" bolts but kept the 4 original Wheelhorse 3/8" grade 5 bolts in place through the center holes. 

Wrestled around screwing with lining up the bolts in all 3 positions. Finally got the whole setup where it needed to be. 

Then tightening THE VERY LAST @*^@$>/$  BOLT .... it snapped off in the cross mount.  

 

Well fine... I'll get another one outta our stock tomorrow after we clean up from today's snow storm.  

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

Pretty good progress today especially considering we spent several hours doing snow cleanup. 

 

Swapped out the engine to frame bracket with the broken bolt. Got the engine all in and tightened down. 

 

 

Steering tower on and fastened. 

Brake linkage on and hopefully adjusted close. 

 

 

 

 

Even got the VR cleaned up some and put back. 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

 This evening we installed the fuel tank, new "Low Permeation" fuel line, new filter. 

 

 

Also got the drive belt and spring on. The RH sheet metal is all bolted on. 

 

The LH sheet metal is just setting for the pics. 

 

 

I'll start a separate thread for this but can anyone tell me what these parts are? 

The broken circular piece especially? 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, we're in great need of this lift arm. 

I've started a classified.  

 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

A few more things done today. 

 

Engine oil added. Kinetix HD30. 1.5 qts. 

 

Dropped the transmission oil. 

Changed the filter. 

 

 

 

 

 

Test fit the hood.  

 

 

 

 

[Pullstart 59,750]

You’re trucking along, it’s looking good!

[ebinmaine 63,218]

2 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

You’re trucking along, it’s looking good!

Thanks Kev. 

 

I'm off work today. Should be able to get more done.

We're hoping to drive it by sometime Sunday. 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

 Fair amount of small things checked of today. 

 

Coil on. 

Got out some ground straps. 

 

 

Cleaned up the engine 

 

Coil on. Carb and all linkage on. 

 

Used new screws with built-in lock washers to hold the air cleaner housing on

 

 

All buttoned up

 

New flywheel bolts with flat and lock washers

 

New sparkable plug 

 

Ran a separate ground wire to the Voltage Regulator

 

Cleaned up the solenoid terminals and installed the positive wires. 

 

Made a new sparkable plug wire from NOS Belden cable and Napa ends

 

 

 

After her work was done for the day Trina got the Mid Hitch Tachamatic on. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

Of course AFTER I installed the nice shiny new bolts in the flywheel screen I remembered that it needed to be vacuumed out. 

So I did that. 

 

That's back together. Again. 

 

 

 

Here's what I came up with for the standard issue broken/ cracked seat pan tabs. 

Those are 7/16 grade 8 bolts. Should give a good squeeze. 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

Battery with custom hold down. 

 

 

We combined a parts bin Cub seat with its adjuster and the stock Wheelhorse seat brackets. Add an L in between and voila!!

 

 

 

 

Rear springs compressed

 

Springs resting 

 

 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 24,176]

 Yellow... 

 

My eyes... can't see...

 

Paint Department on strike? 

[Tractorhead 8,611]

Second that Jim.

Great progress at all so far Eric, but paint department have to do an gently „upgrade“job.

 

👍

[ebinmaine 63,218]

1 hour ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

 Yellow... 

 

My eyes... can't see...

 

Paint Department on strike? 

 

1 hour ago, Tractorhead said:

Second that Jim.

Great progress at all so far Eric, but paint department have to do an gently „upgrade“job.

 

👍

 

 

No paint there for now folks. 

Maybe later....

 

 

 

Here's the almost finished result: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

I even got the Ole Ball n Chain to drive it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

Thanks again to @Ed Kennell for sending us a lift handle!

 

Trina spent the time to remove obstructions and get it installed today. 

 

 

 

 

Last thing (known) to do is pop the mower deck on. 

 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 24,176]

 

Lookin' great!!! 

[ebinmaine 63,218]

59 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

 

Lookin' great!!! 

Thanks Jim! 

 

We might take some time today to see about tightening up the PTO lever to upper steering tower.  I noticed the other day that there's a bit of floppage to the assembly. 

@davem1111 sent us a couple boxes with MUCH needed and appreciated OE Toro parts. Yesterday I found a wee baggie with nylon bushings in it. 

 

[Brockport Bill 1,393]

On 3/22/2024 at 4:52 PM, ebinmaine said:

The Power Washing Department got after the replacement frame today. 

 

Then a wash with acetone. 

 

Then some Rust-Oleum 2X Satin Canyon Black. 

 

 

 

 

 

what is the purpose and benefit of the wash with acetone for the frame? thanks Bill

[ebinmaine 63,218]

1 minute ago, Brockport Bill said:

what is the purpose and benefit of the wash with acetone for the

 

ANYTHING METAL? 

 

Note the bold type above...

 

 

Acetone removes any residue from cleaning, sanding etc. 

It's a GREAT grease and oil remover. 

 

Most cleaners leave a film of some sort. 

Acetone does not. 

 

It'll also remove the shiny layer of existing paint so the newly sprayed paint will adhere. 

 

Also minor rust removal.  

 

It's an excellent all purpose surface prep for her spray painting. 

 

She washes EVERYTHING METAL in  acetone before painting. 

 

Just wait a few minutes to let the acetone dry before painting.  

 

 

 

[Ed Kennell 35,863]

6 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

It's an excellent all purpose surface prep for her spray painting. 

Nuther goodun is MEK.   Flashes off quick w/o resudue.

[kpinnc 10,792]

10 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

Nuther goodun is MEK. 

 

We referred to that as "Methyl Ethyl Death" back when I was doing aircraft phase inspections for Uncle Sugar. That is some good stuff, but you better gear up if you're in it much. It strips sludge, paint, and skin!