What to look for when buying a 520-H

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

Hello all.

 

Possibly going to look at an early 520-H that doesn’t have a swept front end though. It was a barn find and the guy says the engine spins over and has compression. But won’t turn over by the key. Just trying to get some info of what to look for if we do go and look at it. 
Thanks in advance.

 

[ri702bill 9,337]

Look at the condition of the dreaded 9 pin connector. Even if it looks OK, undo it to see the terminals. It might be an unpleasant surprize.....

[lynnmor 7,788]

8 minutes ago, TonyToro Jr. said:

Hello all.

 

Possibly going to look at an early 520-H that doesn’t have a swept front end though. It was a barn find and the guy says the engine spins over and has compression. But won’t turn over by the key. Just trying to get some info of what to look for if we do go and look at it. 
Thanks in advance.

 

Look for signs of abuse, dirty oil, fittings not greased and anything that the general population destroys.

 

The small blue wire to the starter solonoid should show 12 volts when the key is turned to start, if not try jumping it to the + battery terminal.

 

You could check for voltage at the + terminal of the coil, if it ain't getting 12 volts between it and ground, take the jumper wire that you brought along and jump from + battery terminal.  Don't leave it on more than necessary to test fire.  If you have voltage at the coil, try pouring a teaspoon of gas down the carburetor and quickly cranking to see if will fire.  A 520 takes considerable cranking if it sat for a long time, don't run the starter more than 30 seconds at a time and give it several minutes between tries, you don't want to smoke that expensive starter.

[Handy Don 13,972]

Seconding that bringing a good voltmeter, access to a good battery, and some patience to do basic examination and diagnostics can go a long way to making sure you get good value. 

If you read past threads on 520’s, you’ll learn that they are great machines but they rebel at poor maintenance and abuse. 

Edited July 4 by Handy Don

[c-series don 9,966]

I like using a spray bottle with gas and a little two stroke oil mixed in. This way if it does fire you can run it on the bottle until it picks up the fuel. 

[peter lena 9,231]

@ri702bill  regular reference to dreaded 9 pin  connector , has anyone  dared to  mount that in a cooler  safer spot ? personally  look for , a repetitive problem / issue to make a change , you already know what  fails , why not  eliminate it ? a cooler  air flow , wire chafing , etc . would be worth a try . one of the first things I would add / try  is a slotted / holed belt guard , it insures  heat removal . just my view of a consistent problem , thats like living with bearing failure issues , make a change , pete

[ri702bill 9,337]

34 minutes ago, c-series don said:

I like using a spray bottle with gas and a little two stroke oil mixed in. This way if it does fire you can run it on the bottle until it picks up the fuel. 

Unless it has a bad intake valve !!!! 

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

[JCM 10,170]

Good luck with it young man. Be safe and have fun with it.   

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

More pictures to come soon.

[Pullstart 66,594]

[SylvanLakeWH 28,311]

[squonk 43,714]

Check all of those bolts on the engine around the PTO bearing. When they loosen you lose all the oil real quick! 

 

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

Now we are home so I can give you the story of the tractor.

So this was the PO’s friends tractor. He passed away and it sat for a bit. His barn got cleaned out and the PO bought it from the family. He started to dig into it. He says it cranks over and one cylinder has spark and the other doesn’t. So probably going to dig into this weekend.

Oil is not too bad and a tad low. Other then that the tractor is in decent condition with 1058 on the hour meter. 

 

Things it will need so far as we can see.

Rear lenses for the taillights

Gas cap

4 new tires

Full tuneup

 

 

Storm rolling through now. Pics either later or tomorrow morning.

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

Now here’s some pictures.

 

WARNING:

PICTURE HEAVY 😂😂

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

And here’s the deck:

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

And shes already ready for the shows!

[Chaz54 79]

A 1988.

[WHX?? 51,690]

Run & drives then? What was the spark issue?

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

8 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Run & drives then? What was the spark issue?

Nope not yet. She just wanted to see how she looked with a tub cart 😂😂 tommorow I may look into her a bit more. If not then definitely Saturday.

[TonyToro Jr. 1,918]

20 minutes ago, Chaz54 said:

A 1988.

How could you tell? Just with the model number or changes with the tractor?

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,120]

59 minutes ago, TonyToro Jr. said:

How could you tell? Just with the model number or changes with the tractor?

Model number tells all: 31-20OE01 1988 520-H Garden Tractor Automatic OnanP220G-I/10540A

 

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,120]

Your 9 pin connector looks like it’s toasted. 
  That’ll need to be added to your list of things to address. 
 

 

[Lee1977 7,185]

I could tell it's an1988 because the key switch is on the right side. My 1989 the key switch is on the left side. The first thing is remove all the engine covers. shifter plate and the one below the dash, and rear fender and remove all the dirt and grass. 'Onan's move a lot of air and will pack it full of dirt and grass if not cleaned. Here is a picture of mine at 780 hours.