[JSlezak83]

Hi all, i figured I’d finally join here after visiting for several months.

I picked up a non running 1200 over the summer for a pulling tractor. I got it running, only to find out the motor is pooched. Burns a ton of oil, knocks like crazy, and has plenty of aluminum in the oil. That project is getting set aside until I can get some money together to rebuild the K301.

In the meantime, my Troybilt Pony lawn tractor has been giving me fits. The 17.5hp Briggs seems to want constant valve adjustments. I’ve done it 3 times this year alone. Seems like it’s good for a month, and then the starter can’t roll past TOC. I’ve grown quite tired of that routine, so the search began.

Last week I found a 1440 a short road trip away. Owner stated it “wasn’t running properly”. Made him an offer and walked away with a 1440, 451 snow blower, and a ton of extra parts. Got it home and found it was only running on one cylinder. Pulled the valve cover to find a broken exhaust pushrod and blown out head gasket. I’m currently tearing it down to clean all the carbon out of each cylinder. I’ll start a thread for the 1440 in the appropriate forum.

I’ve already learned a ton from the site, and look forward to getting both machines up and running. Got my eyes on a 1535 parts tractor as well, so I think it’s safe to say I’ve caught the bug. -Jim.