WheelhorseBob 1,550 #1 Posted October 9, 2020 Hi guys, I brought this unmolested 161 Automatic home tonight. I bought it with the intention of a full restoration, I like working on tractors. But.....I love the patina on this thing! It hasn’t been hacked up like so many. Only known issue is a leaky left rear axle seal. Runs like a top without smoke etc. what to do! 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,993 #2 Posted October 9, 2020 Nice find! Please post more pics when you can. Might be a good candidate for a nice shine and save the original paint. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 10,146 #3 Posted October 9, 2020 To me that is the Cadillac of the C-series, I have most of the 78-79 C-series and mow regularly with my C-161 automatic. It took me many years to find an unmolested one but I finally did. Like Eric said please post more pictures when you can. Also, if you wanted to sell it I might know a buyer but just don’t tell my wife!!😂 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #4 Posted October 9, 2020 14 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Nice find! Please post more pics when you can. Might be a good candidate for a nice shine and save the original paint. All I’ll say is Standish.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,993 #5 Posted October 9, 2020 2 minutes ago, c-series don said: but just don’t tell my wife New tractor?? Huh?? What new tractor?? No no no no no.... That's been here uuhhhh.... Awhile. Ish. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,993 #6 Posted October 9, 2020 1 minute ago, WheelhorseBob said: All I’ll say is Standish.... No KIDDING ??!!?? GEEZ you were right here in the neighborhood... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #7 Posted October 9, 2020 I’d also like to note that beyond a great deal, I truly love speaking with like minded folk. The gentleman I bought this from was beyond enjoyable to speak with. I find most people who enjoy wheelhorse tractors to be that way! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #8 Posted October 9, 2020 1 minute ago, ebinmaine said: No KIDDING ??!!?? GEEZ you were right here in the neighborhood... Picked your pocket buddy! 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,993 #9 Posted October 9, 2020 1 minute ago, WheelhorseBob said: I’d also like to note that beyond a great deal, I truly love speaking with like minded folk. The gentleman I bought this from was beyond enjoyable to speak with. I find most people who enjoy wheelhorse tractors to be that way! I'd agree with that. I've spoken to that fella. Very nice guy. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #10 Posted October 9, 2020 Just now, ebinmaine said: I'd agree with that. I've spoken to that fella. Very nice guy. That he is, with many common interests to myself. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #11 Posted October 10, 2020 Well today I did a much more thorough inspection. The motor runs like a dream. Fuel lines were awful, and changed. Engine oil changed and Hydro topped up for now. The bad, seems the piston on the lift cylinder is bent. Believe it should be straight? This one has a 15 degree bend one inch from the end. Seems to work fine but can’t be right. Left rear axle seal is leaking, appears to have been leaking for years. Really torn with what to do with it. A part of me likes the honest patina, and the other wants a full blown restoration. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,993 #12 Posted October 10, 2020 9 hours ago, WheelhorseBob said: seems the piston on the lift cylinder is bent. Believe it should be straight? This one has a 15 degree bend one inch from the end. Seems to work fine but can’t be right. Left rear axle seal is leaking, appears to have been leaking for years. Really torn with what to do with it. A part of me likes the honest patina, and the other wants a full blown restoration Not sure about the lift piston but straight seems more logical. Others could comment there. Axle seal is likely a fairly easy fix. Hubs are well known for being a bear to remove but because that has been leaking ATF which is among the best penetrating fluids it will probably slide off without too awful much work. Seals on both sides should be replaced. They're available on the fleabay or local through Sanel/ preferred parts store. Numbers are listed in the Transmission section. I've come to the conclusion that there are 2 predominant types of tractor people. Patina People. And Fresh Paint People. Trina and I were the latter of the 2 but over the last couple years have been learning the ways of the Patina People. We both still far prefer a beautifully painted restored piece and are now more understanding of the mindset of the "others". It's a tremendous amount of work to restore a garden tractor. And VERY rewarding. What it comes down to... It's YOUR tractor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,993 #13 Posted October 10, 2020 10 hours ago, WheelhorseBob said: he bad, seems the piston on the lift cylinder is bent. Believe it should be straight? This one has a 15 degree bend one inch from the end. @953 nut @pfrederi Comments? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,714 #14 Posted October 10, 2020 No bends left is Charger cylinder... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,550 #15 Posted October 10, 2020 4 hours ago, ebinmaine said: Not sure about the lift piston but straight seems more logical. Others could comment there. Axle seal is likely a fairly easy fix. Hubs are well known for being a bear to remove but because that has been leaking ATF which is among the best penetrating fluids it will probably slide off without too awful much work. Seals on both sides should be replaced. They're available on the fleabay or local through Sanel/ preferred parts store. Numbers are listed in the Transmission section. I've come to the conclusion that there are 2 predominant types of tractor people. Patina People. And Fresh Paint People. Trina and I were the latter of the 2 but over the last couple years have been learning the ways of the Patina People. We both still far prefer a beautifully painted restored piece and are now more understanding of the mindset of the "others". It's a tremendous amount of work to restore a garden tractor. And VERY rewarding. What it comes down to... It's YOUR tractor. The hydro in this year tractor (1979) should take 10-30 motor oil from what I read. It certainly didn't have ATF in it, by all appearances it was motor oil. If you know different please straighten me out. And yes I'll be in the market for a lift cylinder....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,993 #16 Posted October 10, 2020 10w 30 should be correct.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,781 #17 Posted October 10, 2020 Sometime a leaking axle seal is a result of a very worn axle bearing. To check your axle beaRings jack the tractor up with the wheels on it. Now try to move the wheel& axle up and down while watching the seal area. You should see a little wiggle of movement, but if you see 1/8” or more your bearings are getting worn 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
