Just picked up a 520H, not running for 5 years

[ekm 8]

I just bought a '88 520H.  Got it running in the prior owners driveway to make sure it really ran.  Carb needed to be cleaned, fuel line replaced, new fuel pump, new fuel filter and new rubber grommet for the fuel tank.  Drained tank on the remaining gunk.  Put gas in the float bowl and its running....even battery is ok.

 

Oil change is next along with rear eng oil change.  Anything else that need to be done.  Also had a trac vac, plow and 48" deck...825 hrs.  

 

[Lee1977 7,224]

My 520-H was packed with grass and dirt. I suggest you remove the engine cover and clean the cooling fins. The hood stand and the hydro was also packed.  Altogether I removed about a half a bushel of dirt and grass. 

[ebinmaine 72,993]

 

Sounds like you're on the right track. These folks will help you cover everything that needs to be addressed. 

[peter lena 9,309]

ekm , a thorough BASELINE SERVICE  would be the way to go , take a look at everything , to verify its function, also regularly use some SEAFOAM in your gas to help carb back to health. hot oil changes are the most beneficial , for engine flushing effect . rotella 30 wt oil is very good in hot weather , a 5-30 oil in winter for quicker starts . let us know how things are working out , pete  

[Ed Kennell 42,179]

 to the    and the "88 520 club.

 

There are many threads on here addressing the potential problems with the Onan P220 engines.

The biggest concern being the overheating of the rear cylinder  resulting in a loose valve seat. I agree, you should remove the tins and clean the engine cooling fins.   If there is any sign of oil on the fins, look for a small oil leak under the oil filter base plate.   This plate is fastened to the block with two small bolts and a very narrow sealing area making it subject to leaks.   If it leaks, the oil is blown across the cooling fins causing grass to collect and compromise the cooling.      Make sure the gasket between the oil filter and the engine tin is in place.

 

                                                                                                                        

[WheelhorseBob 1,550]

Good for you! She sat idle for a bit so a carb clean is in order. Change all fluids and clean all electrical connections. If after that all is well, enjoy!

Edited October 11, 2020 by WheelhorseBob

[Achto 29,433]

[SylvanLakeWH 28,595]

[Lee1977 7,224]

12 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

 to the    and the "88 520 club.

 

There are many threads on here addressing the potential problems with the Onan P220 engines.

The biggest concern being the overheating of the rear cylinder  resulting in a loose valve seat. I agree, you should remove the tins and clean the engine cooling fins.   If there is any sign of oil on the fins, look for a small oil leak under the oil filter base plate.   This plate is fastened to the block with two small bolts and a very narrow sealing area making it subject to leaks.   If it leaks, the oil is blown across the cooling fins causing grass to collect and compromise the cooling.      Make sure the gasket between the oil filter and the engine tin is in place.

 

                                                                                                                        

Also be sure to clean that half circle under the oil filter of oil before installing a new filter. if any oil is on that area it's going on the rear fins. I think that is where most of the oil comes from that clogs the rear fins.

[Horse Newbie 7,395]

19 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

My 520-H was packed with grass and dirt. I suggest you remove the engine cover and clean the cooling fins. The hood stand and the hydro was also packed.  Altogether I removed about a half a bushel of dirt and grass. 

The same with my 94 when I first bought it... 257 hrs...engine fins and tins, between the frame rails, hydraulic pump fins, between the gas tank brackets, everywhere ! I took out about four 5 gallon buckets of debri.

Edited October 11, 2020 by Horse Newbie

[ekm 8]

Thanks for all the tips....pulling off all the cowlings will be done next.  This tractor was garage kept since new (single owner).

What is the best color paint to use for touch ups?   Does anyone make a seat cover?

Edited October 12, 2020 by ekm

[Ed Kennell 42,179]

Northern Tool has a good selection of seats.https://www.bing.com/shop?q=northern+tool+tractor+seats&FORM=SHOPPA&originIGUID=19B95AC4F8984CA3B1504C5E1FCD8E92&PC=ASTS

 

 

 

[lynnmor 7,858]

I use the Toro New Red for my 520’s, You have an early model without the Toro decals so I am not sure if it is New Red.

[Kevinm 23]

I would also check the 9 pin electrical connector under the tractor. Its under the tractor, just ahead of the battery, but not directly under the battery.  I just finished painting my 1988 520H. I used PPG MTK single stage Polyurethane. If you are going to spend the time to strip it down, it deserves something better than Rustoleum.

[ekm 8]

19 hours ago, Kevinm said:

I would also check the 9 pin electrical connector under the tractor. Its under the tractor, just ahead of the battery, but not directly under the battery.  I just finished painting my 1988 520H. I used PPG MTK single stage Polyurethane. If you are going to spend the time to strip it down, it deserves something better than Rustoleum.

Looks great...how many hours did you spend on prep and paint.  Looks better than my car!  what type of gun did you use (pressure or siphon)?

 

 

[richmondred01 2,307]

Decarb heads, replaced head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, intake gaskets, adjust valves. 
every onan I’ve gotten that’s the first thing that’s done. 

[lynnmor 7,858]

7 minutes ago, richmondred01 said:

Decarb heads, replaced head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, intake gaskets, adjust valves. 
every onan I’ve gotten that’s the first thing that’s done. 

Plus valve cover gaskets, check valve seats, check intake manifold for leaks, clean cylinder fins and paint muffler.