Diesel Conversion Questions

[brandonozz 168]

I have a C 120 with what I think is an original engine that hasn't ever been rebuilt - at least to my knowledge. I work this tractor pretty hard plowing, discing and tilling my gardens and food plots. If/when I need to get repowered I was thinking about installing a diesel engine so I wanted to ask a couple of questions as I know some of you have made this conversion.

I see many have installed a 10 hp diesel engine. How does this compare to the gas engines. Would this be about the same power as a 14 or 16 hp gas burner?

How big of a diesel engine has anyone put into a C model? Never can have too much for breaking ground

How long will a diesel last. Would most expect one to last 20 years or more?

Thanks for sharing! :thumbs2:

[massey 119]

I'm doing a conversion right now, but I don't have any time on it yet (I did put 18hrs on for break in). From what I'm told the 10hp is equivalent to a 13hp and uses about 1/3 less fuel. As for how long it will last, there's no telling as these are relatively new to the market Chinese clones of the Yanmar. Hopefully a long time. As for size, it seems the 10's are the most popular but Kelly boought a huge V-Twin to put in one of his.

Good luck

Ed

[can whlvr 994]

if funds could allow it i would go the next size up from the 10,allthough all of the guys here that have done the 10hp conversion are happy with it im with you on the more hp and torque,and the bigger one wont have to work as hard so it should last longer

[sgtsampay 117]

Well, I did a 10Hp diesel conversion about 7 months ago and have used my diesel for tilling, pulling trailers around, and lots of mowing. During the summer high, I would be mowing for about 3-4 hours each week.

The diesel could power the 48in deck fine and if the grass was short enough I could run in 3rd high. Normally though, running in 2nd high with a 42in produces a great cut and will never bog down even in super thick, wet grass. I did break two belts over the summer for the mule drive but thats about it.

The issues with the diesel are very minor. The first thing is its hard to pull start without a glow plug and even on 30-40 degree morning with the plug warmed, it would still take a few pulls to get started. Also, diesel leaks a tad around the injector area. Its causes no issues, just grass buildup. Also, when you change the oil, the drain plug makes a mess and if you don;t clean it up very well, grass sticks to everything while mowing. LOL. Also, some people don;t like the noise fro ma diesel while others are shicked when I tell them its a diesel. LOL. I wear ear muffs, so I don;t care.

The best thing i love about the diesel, is I burn about 1 gallon ever 4 hours of mowing with a 42in in thick wet grass in 2nd high. I think thats very good fuel comsumtion. Also, I only have been able to get the diesel to puff smoke on large loads with the mower decks. The tiller doesn't even phase the motor.

Overall, I think its was worth the money and would it it again in a heartbeat. I figure i have close to 50 hours on this motor so far and I'm running full syn diesel oil. Just keep checking the oil level, as it does go down a tad after the whole summer. I changed the oil two times this summer and will be changing it very soon for winter.

Well, thats what I have to report on the diesel and hope it helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. :wh: