My 123 journey...

[Squeak]

Long winded babbling ahead.

So I’ve been plucking away at this thing for awhile now. Managed to find some used rims, and picking up parts here and there. Facebook for sale groups have been crucial as well as eBay amongst others. I have purchased something from everyone I imagine. I have been active here reading about every thread I could. Just a lot of lurking.

But I’m checking boxes and getting things done. I started with the basic tune up. Oil change, Plug, points, condenser, fuel system, carb rebuild. I thought this was never going to end. Static timing was killing me. (This is the first points engine I have ever touched) I had a hell of a time figuring it out. But got it fairly close. I was chasing dirty fuel tank and dumping the fuel bowl so often I finally wore it out. So I had to replace that with the great unknown eBay bowl. And that little thin copper fuel line was a bear to get just right so it didn’t leak. In the long run I wound up checking the valves and they are off a few thousandth. But I adjusted them and ran it. Probably not the smartest looking back, but I did it anyway.

before winter I went through the steering box, Was pretty straight forward. I did the bearing mod to make it steer easier, and put new bearings in it. New follower and loads of grease. Was a pretty messy job, but went pretty smooth. Used one of the old front wheel bearings to center the steering rod. I was more impressed with that than anything. It fell right into place. (Sorry no pictures, did not really think to take any at the time)

Third up was the generator. New bearings brushes and springs. Lots of dust when you pull these things open. I was having a very hard time putting this thing back on, took all day to line it up by myself. For those that come a cross this, the most valuable tool was the little pick that I had. Sort of dental hook looking. I was blessed with fat fingers, and it was like micro surgery to flip that little spring back to its resting position under tension. (Picture is the mounting trouble I had)

Then I came across a plow just before winter. Drove pretty far for it, but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. It moves snow very well. Hydro makes it easy to back and ram in a efficient manner. But she started leaking like a 1967 worn out garden tractor.

So I went Back to work. after winter I ordered a huge parts list. To go through the rear end. Been plucking away at this for awhile. Gaskets galore, seals, bearings, fan, rubber disc etc etc. I managed recently to split the tractor, clean all the old hy Tran out. Replace the axle tube bearings and axle seals. Separated the pump and put a new cork gasket on it. In doing all this I managed to come across a lot of loose nuts and bolts. I’ve been chasing threads and re tapping things. But I just buttoned it up today, got fluids coming, and the next process is installing a hydraulic lift and going through the engine a little better. It’s been hard starting since I got it. When I loosened up the engine today I noticed so black goo coming out between the head. So time for a head gasket And carbon removal.

I did pick up a new driveshaft, so don’t worry about that. I also have the pulley for the hydro unit welded up and ready to accept the new drive shaft. The wear points were filled in. I was taken back by the axle bearings I purchased, the old ones were pretty sloppy but all metal. The new ones have plastic in them. Hopefully that holds up. No hole in the bottom either. The trunion I’m not worried about. I have seen far worse, it’s not really to sloppy. I did shim the mounting points on both sides to take up the slop from being worn out. This will get addressed further if I decide to take it apart and paint.

That’s all I can think of at the moment. Sorry about the pictures being every which way. They are normal on my computer, not sure why they are turned on here.

Squeak

[Squeak]

Today was pretty eventful. Managed to get the k301 out. Did some cleaning of parts, and pulled the head. Which was not very secured like it should be. Probably why I’m having a hard time starting it.

Looks like I got some pto work in the future.

[jbrewer]

Looks like there's a fair amount of blow by through that gasket. That and surfacing the head are good first starts .

I have to do the same with my 122.

[IHinIN]

That thing definitely needs a new head gasket. Apparently the PTO release was missing the fiber button and was running metal on metal. I believe member JeffinPA makes and sells replacement center buttons for the clutch as well as a brass release button to replace the fiber piece.

[Squeak]

Originally Posted by jbrewer

Looks like there's a fair amount of blow by through that gasket. That and surfacing the head are good first starts .

I have to do the same with my 122.

I have a fire ring gasket sitting idle, I should get it all put back together this evening. In the torque sequence, the only bolt that was snug was the 2nd one. Everything else was finger tight...

Originally Posted by IHinIN

Apparently the PTO release was missing the fiber button and was running metal on metal.

She’s gone, that’s for sure.