Sailman 1,299 #1 Posted June 24, 2020 Have the GT 14 doing well with strong transmission (no leaks), original front wheels with bearings installed and even got the hydraulic lift working ( plastic plate had shrunk limiting lever movement). Still need to rebuild the carb but its a BEAST. Had been wanting a C series since they are simpler than the GT, more parts available and easier to find attachments. Missed out on a sweet C-160 8 speed in original condition. Guy decided to keep it for his kids (I am good with that). So...... I found a "working" C-120 auto. Came with 42 inch deck in good shape, push blade, craftsman plow, disc and rear wheel weights for $300. The PO stated he used it for plowing garden every year but it sat for several years and now he thinks something is wrong with the engine. Figured the attachments alone were worth the price. You guys were all SOOO RIGHT.....you can't have just 1 WH! (Following post will list what I found while running engine...NEED INPUT. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,299 #2 Posted June 24, 2020 Drained the gas tank (looked like orange gator aide), drained the carb bowl and installed new plug. Has fairly new battery but real slow cranking. 13 volts at battery but only 9 or 10 at the starter. Local battery dealer suggested I check the small wire (activator) going to the solenoid. Found bad connection there. Repaired wire and it cranks fine. Runs really nice, even revving up the throttle still runs smooth. Hydro nice and smooth forward and reverse....BUT when I drove it and put it under load it started to bog down real bad, smoking and also looks like smoking from the valve cover (under the carburetor). Really awful pinging sound. Did not want to run it too much and do more damage. PO thought it was rod knocking. I noticed an oil stain under the head. Would a blown head gasket cause that much noise? I have attached a video of it making the pinging after I had stopped the load. No smoking but pinging. OK wheel horse guru's....an reasonably easy head gasket fix or worse??? oops....video too large. Will have to figure out how to shorten it and post later... Still open to ideas! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,299 #3 Posted June 24, 2020 Here is shortened video of noise. This is after the smoking and bogging down. wheel horse noise.mp4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #4 Posted June 24, 2020 Sounds like pre ignition to me. I think the bottom end is fine. Looks like the HG might be seeping. They're cheap. I'd start by pulling the head off, planing it, reinstalling and then adjusting valves and then the points. I can't say the smoke is from any of the above, unless you see it coming from between the block and head. Might need to pull the carburetor off and clean it thoroughly. Nice looking rig for the price - even if it didn't have any attachments! Certainly a great deal with them included. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,452 #5 Posted June 24, 2020 Nice to know there's someone else in north Georgia! I'm in Jasper so near to you. That head gasket is a sure thing to do as ZXT said. That squeak sounds like a metal to metal rub to me. Turn on the PTO without an attachment to eliminate its internals from the equation. Something just sounds loose - not engine internals. Glad you found it! If I had seen it, I'd have a 4th in the stable. Good luck! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,054 #6 Posted June 24, 2020 What a steal of a deal! Have you checked the points gap? A too far advanced timing (small gap I believe) can cause preignition and pinging... but as @Tuneup mentioned, eliminate the variables. Surely plan on a head gasket job, they aren’t too hard. Also, being a supporting member allows unlimited file sizes among other huge benefits with discounts through some vendors, etc. YouTube links are a great way to share videos as well. Please consider the idea of helping to preserve such an awesome community of Wheel Horse knowledge, likely this forum will save you the cost of repair bills and cursing tenfold the supporter cost. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ranger 1,807 #7 Posted June 24, 2020 Hi That squeak sounds like a gasket leak to me, I’ve had similar noises from failed manifold gaskets before on auto engines. I suppose a head gasket leak on an air cooled engine would sound the same? With the gasket vibrating like a ‘reed’ on a musical wind instrument. Doug. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,299 #8 Posted June 24, 2020 Thanks for the input folks! I figured there would be some "experience" on this site to rely on. Looks like first step is new head gasket, plane the head, adjust the valves and points. Will try a few more diagnostics or videos and keep all posted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
