PeacemakerJack 10,743 #1 Posted January 3, 2018 Caleb purchased this package deal about a month ago. We brought it home, cleaned off the road salt and changed the oil. Since then we haven’t had much time to work on it. It is a solid one owner tractor but still has some rough spots here and there. Came with several nice implements including a tiller and 48” blade. The wiring is cobbled and will need some work to get it functioning like it should but I love a challenge and with this one it means time with my son! Caleb was a happy boy and now is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work! We needed a heated space to work in, especially since this cold snap is keeping high temps in the single digits or less. I finished insulating the shop last week and tonight we started on JackRabbit... The seat was rocking and rolling all over the place. Thanks to you guys, we picked up a 520 seat bracket. Caleb pulled the seat and I began working on there seat slides with Deep Creep to free them up. Then we pulled the filter and drained the rear axle oil. Caleb was excited to get under this thing and get his hands dirty. He was upset with me if I tried to take something apart! I like that—I want him to learn to do it and no better way than hands on under the watchful eye of a tutor. After taking the tank off, we completely drained the old fuel out. Do you guys have any recommendations on cleaning it out other than pouring some fresh fuel in, sloshing it around and dumping it out? As expected, lots of debris in the “trap spots” that will be cleaned out. To be continued... 14 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #2 Posted January 3, 2018 Good machine to start off with. Best of luck will be following along. Glenn 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,027 #3 Posted January 3, 2018 11 minutes ago, PeacemakerJack said: Do you guys have any recommendations on cleaning it out other than pouring some fresh fuel in, sloshing it around and dumping it out? A little seafoam maybe? 12 minutes ago, PeacemakerJack said: He was upset with me if I tried to take something apart! I like that—I want him to learn to do it and no better way than hands on under the watchful eye of a tutor. Awesome! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Desko 610 #4 Posted January 3, 2018 She's in good hands now. Definitely can wait to see how it turns out. I agree a little gas and some sea foam will clean it up nicely. Will you be replacing the fuel lines also? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 40,689 #5 Posted January 3, 2018 1 hour ago, PeacemakerJack said: After taking the tank off, we completely drained the old fuel out. Do you guys have any recommendations on cleaning it out other than pouring some fresh fuel in, sloshing it around and dumpi Not saying your tank will need this, but I have seen really bad tanks filled with a couple hands full of gravel, bungeed to a rear tractor tire, and driven till the tank is tumbled clean. 3 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #6 Posted January 3, 2018 Yes—we will definitely replace the fuel lines. Cheap insurance on a machine that is a full 30 years old. Thanks Ed for the idea. I have a couple of steel tanks that I will try that on. This polymer tank doesn’t seem too bad. I’ll have to look it over with a bright light and maybe a mirror. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 58,257 #7 Posted January 3, 2018 Glad to see that Caleb is eager to work and learn. I will be cleaning my 418=C up in the spring, it is on snow duty for the winter. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #8 Posted January 3, 2018 Thanks Richard—especially for the tip on that seat brace. I’ll be sharing soon pics of what we found underneath and why that brace is so important—so typical of something that is taken apart at some point, put back together, and then an exclamation as to why there are extra bolts and screws left... But be assured, we will make it right! 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ohiofarmer 3,353 #9 Posted January 3, 2018 Check out the idler pulley that holds tension on the transmission belt. If the bushing [on the pulley arm] wears out the pulley will start to vibrate and wear an egg shaped hole in the transmission tunnel. I would replace that bushing and put waterproof silicone grease on it. Sort of a weak spot on the newer models 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,583 #10 Posted January 3, 2018 Following along. I have a 417-A and a 418-A and both are work monsters. Good to see Caleb getting dirty. Better than a video game. 8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,027 #11 Posted January 3, 2018 26 minutes ago, 19richie66 said: .....Good to see Caleb getting dirty. Better than a video game. Agreed! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #12 Posted January 3, 2018 7 hours ago, ohiofarmer said: Check out the idler pulley that holds tension on the transmission belt... Sort of a weak spot on the newer models Thanks for the heads up, we will inspect that and take necessary steps as needed! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dclarke 4,076 #13 Posted January 3, 2018 I'll be following along on Caleb's progress as well, that looks like a nice tractor and I'm sure it'll be good as new when you're done. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPWH 6,283 #14 Posted January 3, 2018 Good to see a young person show interest in these little tractors. I will be following along. As for cleaning the plastic tank I used a 50/50 mix of gumout and gas and let it soak overnight in an old plastic Raider tank and it removed all the old tarnish. 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 28,899 #15 Posted January 3, 2018 Great to see that Caleb is stating on his tractor. It should be a great machine when you 2 are done with it. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 50,864 #16 Posted January 3, 2018 13 hours ago, PeacemakerJack said: lots of debris in the “trap spots” that will be cleaned out. Ya know Josh the worse part about getting a new to me tractor this time of year is not being able to get out the pressure washer for a good bath! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,583 #17 Posted January 3, 2018 Ice blasting........ good way to save on sand 1 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 50,864 #18 Posted January 3, 2018 It's all fun & games until yer hose freezes! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #19 Posted January 3, 2018 Easy cleanup—wait for it to melt and squeegee it up 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,153 #20 Posted January 4, 2018 (edited) Man, that kid's got a bad ass ...congrats on your score Caleb. Edited January 4, 2018 by AMC RULES 3 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dells68 7,498 #21 Posted January 4, 2018 I agree, very nice horse. Best part is working on them with your son. It will be time well spent. I just cleaned the tank on the 857 I'm starting on with a little diesel and a handful of gravel. Shook the heck out of it. Some of the ugliest junk you've ever seen out of it. I know diesel leaves a little residue, but I have fear of shaking gravel and gas gravel+gas+spark=BOOM! 1 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #22 Posted January 4, 2018 Caleb’s been dying to use that last emoji—Dells68 you gave him the perfect spot for it. Where’s @AMC RULES with a classic gif to illustrate...? Totally agree on time spent with my son. Caleb is now old enough to really get involved hands on. I love it!!! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tims tractors 119 #23 Posted January 4, 2018 I love it, My wife and I are guardians of our 13 year old nephew and he to loves to help. It,s neat to watch them learn an grow. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #24 Posted January 4, 2018 Thank you @tims tractors for taking that responsibility to raise your nephew. Often there are some difficult circumstances surrounding a family member needing to be a guardian. I applaud you for taking on that role and by it your nephew Is greatly benefited. How cool that you guys get to work on projects together!!! Let’s keep on training the next generation to appreciate these legendary little tractors... 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #25 Posted January 5, 2018 Here is the tag from JackRabbit... A little tricky to read but I’m sure we can have Terry make us up a correct replacement when the time is right! Caleb had a basketball game tonight in which they won, and then had homework and so no work on the tractor tonight but hopefully we can get some meaningful time on it Saturday... 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
