More bad news on our A-80-E engine

[HankB 16]

This is not going particularly well. I posted earlier about using a spark plug insert because the threads in the head were stripped out. Today I pulled the head because I was pretty sure there wasn't sufficient clearance between the head and valves for the tap that comes with the tool. IAC, I was curious about what I'd find inside.

The good news is that the valves look like they're contacting the seat all of the way around. And I could not feel any play between piston and crank, so I think the rod bearing is OK.

But the clean area on the piston top hinted that there might be blow by:

Sure enough, there's some pretty significant scuffing on that side of the cylinder.

So... I'm wondering if we're at the point where we start to part out this unit. I doubt there is a cost effective repair for the cylinder, particularly since we don't want to put a lot of money into this. The A-80-E seems not to be a particularly desired unit

My plan is to repair the spark plug threads (kit arrived today) and see if I can get it running. At least that will give me a chance to see if the transaxle works. It will be interesting to see what compression it develops with a scored cylinder.

As usual, I'm open to suggestions or comments about what you would do if faced with this situation.

-hank

[rickv1957 75]

Hank,I will agree that the cylinder sure dont look well,depends on how much you like the tractor,Rick

[sawhorse 0]

I think an engine transplant of some sort is in order. There are a lot of cheaply

made tractors out there that have fallen apart yet the motors are still good.

Maybe you could pick one up at the junkyard or craigslist? :notworthy:

[HankB 16]

Hank,I will agree that the cylinder sure dont look well,depends on how much you like the tractor,Rick

I have no strong bond with this unit. It is actually my son's so it's going to be his call. We picked it up together and he could put it to better use than me. (I like my 314-H a whole lot more. )

I think an engine transplant of some sort is in order. There are a lot of cheaply

made tractors out there that have fallen apart yet the motors are still good.

Maybe you could pick one up at the junkyard or craigslist?

That's what my son thought. What do I need to look for besides vertical shaft? Is there a specific bolt pattern or shaft size I need to find? How 'bout horsepower range? I probably don't want to go down, but what about a modest increase, like 8 or 10 hp? Will the starter generally transplant to similar engines?

thanks,

hank