My 1977 1250 QL

[justanengineer]

Howdy fellas. After lurking a few weeks and searching/solving what minor issues I could, I thought I would bring my project out in the open as I will likely need assistance and have a few questions. The project in question is a 1977 1250 that has ~400 original hours on it. Admittedly its no spring chicken, but I can tell it led a decently easy life, hopefully without too much abuse, and think the condition was well worth the $250 I paid for it, 44A mower, and the IH front plow I still need to identify. I mowed with it once before the drought began, found several issues which I am still resolving, and am finally at the point (thanks to recent rains) that I need to get it going again to mow the 1.5 acres of lawn surrounding the house I bought not long before the 1250.

Known issues/concerns:

1. Upon 1st oil change (day I bought it) I discovered the only thing holding the 2x oversized oil drain plug in was RTV. Rather than helicoil an already over-sized hole, I tried re-tapping the hole a fine-thread size larger. Unfortunately, despite looking clean/sharp, the new threads did not hold. I should have a replacement oil pan on my doorstep by the end of the week though, so I am no longer concerned with this issue.

2. While looking closely at the pan, I noticed the lower half of both rear ISO mounts is destroyed. Is there supposed to be an upper and lower rubber rear ISO mount, or is this supposed to be one piece of rubber? Thankfully the fronts are both good and solid.

3. Does anybody have any good pics of how the engine side covers are supposed to mount? I have the originals, but they were not installed at the auction I acquired this at. I can see where the larger rear holes mount to the tractor via bolts/wingnuts, but the front/upper bolt holes do not appear to be near any corresponding holes. Also, are these side panels supposed to tuck inside the frame?

4. The local dealer told me to change the trans filter and simply replace any fluid lost out of the hydrostat, rather than change all the hytran due to cost (~$7/qt was quoted). Does this sound right? For some reason this makes my bs meter start pegging.



A "glamor" shot, the day I bought it. The exterior was shiny clean, but underneath it had 35 yrs of grease/oil/grass that has since been cleaned to match the exterior. I have both rear hubcaps, but neither of the fronts, and both side engine covers.



In the garage tonight, getting ready to remove the engine to replace the oil pan. Just need to unbolt the driveshaft and remove the mounting bolts.



Wire harness on right side of tractor. Did IHC use one common harness for these tractors? Mine doesnt have lights, and I am curious if the "pigtailed together" harness is for lights? I may decide to add these later.




I assume the two extra holes in the front is a dealer "customization." The paint on the seat frame and bolts was perfect until I decided to give my 6'4 self a bit of leg room via the standard slots. For those curious, the duct tape isnt mine, and the seat will likely be replaced after the few mechanical issues have been resolved.

More pics and posts to follow as the work continues....