Project 401 Restoration

[hcminis 1,699]

Project 401 has been started. Will do my best to keep this updated as best I can.

Have some items that are needed which is posted in the "Wanted Section"

Here is what I started with. First night was up until 1:00 A.M. and got a lot accomplished.

Here is where I am at as of today. Steering wheel is still be "Blasted" and have one foot pedal retainer that won't come off. Probably have to cut it.

This poor seat is beyond restoring. The cover/cushion that was used had rips which held water and destroyed he seat. Luckily I have another one that is exactly like this.

Serial number is 43062. This plate was on the steering wheel upright.

[jdog_kustoms 82]

looks like a good start keep the pics comin

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Want a little friendly advice on the steering wheel removal?

Cut the shaft off just below the wheel and drill the remains of the shaft progressively larger until it breaks loose. (or you can just press out the remaining chunk of steering shaft.

Buy a piece of 3/4" cold-rolled steel round stock from the local hardware store, steel supplier or welding shop. Cut it to length, cross drill the two roll pin holes, and you have a brand new steering shaft.

Don't forget to "shine up" the wheel hub bore & steering shaft and apply anti-seize prior to reassembly. I'd hate to see you have to go through this again. :thumbs:

[rickv1957 74]

Looks like your off to a great start there!,Rick

[hcminis 1,699]

Thanks guys. As mentioned, hope to keep this updated with the status. My "real life" comes first i.e. wife, kids, etc..... so will do my best.

Terry, PM/Email sent with a question or two.

Thanks again.

[hcminis 1,699]

Another question....did a serial number search and said I had an invalid serial number. Took it straight from the tractor S/N plate. Any thoughts?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

If we had access to the WH production ledgers, you could find out when the tractor came off the assembly line. (or what model it is - if you don't already know)

Beyond that, they don't mean much. (to us)

[hcminis 1,699]

Quick update. The steering wheel is off thanks to Terry. Will get a new steering rod made this week and have the old rod pressed out of steering wheel also.

Completely stripped down now except for the rearend which I am going to leave because I think it is fine.

NOW, the funny/weird part. The front tires which are in really really good shape are filled. Believe they have sand in them. Has anyone heard of that before on an older machine? Could not figure out why the dern thing was so heavy until I took the tires/wheels off. Boy are they heavy.

Thought that was funny.

Sorry no pictures as it was really late and camera doesn't do well in dark and garage is not very well lit. Will get some picture tomorrow.

Thanks

[Coadster32 793]

Nice start. I also remember the 1am nights in the garage. People fill the tires with mostly anything. They add weight without giving up looks. The fronts are nice to have heavy for winter plowing. cutting off the retainer is a good idea. I made a couple of new ones for my suburban. After painting, you can't tell. Good luck, and keep the pics coming! :thumbs:

[CasualObserver 3,411]

The front wheels on the mid engine tractors came loaded from the factory. Put some empty ones up there, pop the clutch and you'll see why! never heard of anyone using sand, but people will use whatever they have laying around.

[hcminis 1,699]

Jason, I know all to well about the lite front ends as my 550 is that way. Maybe it isn't sand but sure sounds like it. Hate to break them down but the wheels are shot. Surprised they have held out being loaded because one place looks like it could open up any time.

Think someone has also replaced the shifter because you can't get your hand between the steering wheel and shifter but shouldn't be any problem. Will start the sand blasting, sanding, etc. this week. Then after all the frame work is done and painted will start on the ole engine.

Will try to post pictures as soon as I can.

Thanks

[Roger from southern Iowa 1]

Great start!! I know all about the real life things and they should come first.

Keep those pics coming.

[hcminis 1,699]

Sorry for the long delay for updates. "Life" happened again. All three kids have been sick and at the same time. So it has been really hectic around here lately.

The 401 is almost completely media blasted with the exception of the hood and belt guard ( coming from Kelly ) Know this is kind of a repeat but patience is very needed here. I normally get carried away and don't take my time so there is actually a life lesson for me in this project.

NOW, the BIG & GREAT news. The little 4 H.P. Kohler is ALIVE!!!!! When it arrived here at the stables you could barely turn it with channel locks ( the big set ). Not it runs and will be getting a new carburetor this week also. Will get a video of it today. Was late last night when she started. Will start with one pull and you barely have to pull the cord.

BAD, the seal around the brake pulley/drum is leaking slightly. I am NOT ready to tear down that tranny. BUT, wanting to do it right so ANY AND ALL help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Might be a stupid question, but, can this seal be replaced without taking the tranny apart? Thought I saw somewhere there are some seals that you can replace without tearing it apart. Again, new to the trannys so don't laugh....

Thanks in advance

[DMK855 15]

Atleast I am not the only on life happens too!!

As far as the seal, yes it can be replaced with out tearing down the trans. As a matter of fact, all the seal on that tranny can be changed without teardown!! I don't have the number here at work, but the input and brake shaft seals are the same and available at any well stocked parts house!! Do a search on here, should be easy to find the numbers!!

Good Job on the little Kohler!!! :D

[hcminis 1,699]

Here are couple pics. Rear end is primed. Both seal need replaced so I need some help on this part. Never done any seal repair.

[hcminis 1,699]

Here is a short video of the 4 H.P. Kohler. When it arrived you could only turn it with a large set of channel lock pliers. Ordered a carburetor off ebay and should get it installed this week some time. Will get a muffler soon. Was really surprised the old pipe came out.

4 HP Kohler

[tgranthamfd 29]

Your axle and brake shaft seals can be replaced without tearing the tranny apart. I would have to do some digging around to find the part numbers for you. I think I found mine on E-bay.

[Coadster32 793]

Engine sounds pretty good. :thumbs:

[Ken B 3,189]

You are making some nice progress. The Kohler sounds great!

[hcminis 1,699]

That Kohler really surprised me. Could not believe it started. Was dumping PB Blaster in the spark plug hole for two weeks. You could barely...and I mean barely turn the crank with a large set of channel locks.

Just can't believe someone was going to scrap this old Horse....

[VinsRJ 723]

Great progress, Kohler does sound good but becareful running it to much with out a muffler or a piece of pipe. A gulp of cold air rushing into that hot exhaust port can bend a valve.