bowtiebutler956

I'll make sure to get that screwdriver painted ASAP!! I,m a bit embarrassed Richard, as I'll have to do some research, seeing as I'm unsure whether mine is a gas or kerosene model. The fuel tank is steel. Thanks Ian. I probably would have already had it running if my valves would show up. I called again yesterday, and they still haven't made my valves! I really need to get a lathe! Matt

Looking good Norm. Black paint is a royal pain in the rear, as it shows every imperfection. Every time I use black, I find myself having to use alot of high build primer. Prime it, sand it, over, and over again, until smooth. Matt

Had to many other things going on today, so I didn't get to play with the LB, but I did throw the valve cover back on for a couple beauty shots. Matt

I knew somebody was going to comment on the screwdrivers! I have an assortment of lower end tools that I use for such things, but I'll still hit them with my wire wheel tomorrow. Yes, these were a high production engine, so there are still parts available for them. I guess I need to do some more reading in my manual, as I didn't know about the different pistons. Richard, I wouldn't dream of ending this thread any other way, than with a video of it running. You certainly are burning the midnight night oil, as I posted my original reply this evening (7pm my time), which is 1 am your time? I don't usually get any response till the following day. Thanks Matt

I have a few updates today. My reproduction muffler, as well as an original Champion COM 1 (OE to this engine) spark plug arrived today, but the thing I'm most pleased with, is the way my valve cover turned out. I spent way to much time working on getting the dent, and all the rust pits out of this valve cover today, but it certainly paid off. You'd have a hard time ever knowing this valve cover was in bad shape, unless you look underneath, where all I did was paint it. Now, I wish I had taken the time to smooth the skids out, like I did the valve cover. Oh well. Here are some pics. Matt

WOW! What a fantastic machine. I think you just made up my mind for me. I do believe my B-80 is going to be getting an IHC LB transplant. Matt

Thanks for all the kind words guys. Showman, I would love to see your Bradford. Matt

I still don't have my new valves, so I can't do any final assembly, but I still did some test fitting. The valve cover has been damaged in the past, so its going to require some bodywork. While I can do bodywork, its probably my least favorite part of any project. I don't mind the engine rebuilding, some fabricating, paint work, etc., but I hate using body filler, and doing all the necessary sanding to get it correct. No pain, no gain, right? Matt Oh, please ignore the ridiculously messy work bench. I think I need to fire the janitor! (Me)

Slowly making a little more progress. I had to cut some mounting ears off the factory skids, that someone had bubble gum welded on them. Matt

This isn't much of an update, but I did put the flywheel on it today, so that I could line it up on TDC, and time the magneto. I also cleaned up the valve train. I'm afraid I'm going to be waiting awhile for my new valves to be made. I called the people that are making them for me, and they haven't gotten to them yet. My problem is, I'm not the patient type. Matt

The inside of the generator still looks very clean! Glad to hear its still making voltage. Matt

Koen, I learned a long time ago that some people have no business working on engines, as they just don't care, and take no pride in they're work. I'm sure you'll get it back in order again. Matt

Thanks Ian, and I used a 3M Scotchbrite pad to clean the piston. Matt

I got a little more done today. I painted the flywheel, belt pulley, and rope start. I don't believe these engines ever came with a rope start. I do believe this was added very early in this engines life, and while I don't plan on installing it back on the engine, I figured I'd paint it, and put it away in case I change my mind down the road. I also took a couple of pics of this engine next to a Briggs Model N, for a size comparison. They're both about the same horsepower rating. Matt

Thanks, and I am looking forward to adding it to my collection. Thanks for the reply Richard. The factory cart that these engines could have come with is actually more of a 2 wheel dolly that bolts to the existing engine skids. I'm going to post a link to a thread with a pic of the original cart for an LB. If this is a no no, please feel free to delete it Moderators. Look at post #4 of this link. http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84002 Here is a link of a reproduction of this OE engine cart. http://www.ebay.com/itm/111620741966?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT That is currently a little out of my budget, but that is what I would like to put under my engine. The output shaft is 1 3/16" Richard, and its small as far as these engines go. I'll take a picture of it next to a Briggs engine, for a better comparison today. I too like the bolted wrist pin in the piston. This piston is cast iron, so it too, is very heavy for its size. Its easy to see why these were low speed engines (300-500 rpm's). You wouldn't want to spin an engine with a cast iron piston very fast, unless you like your pistons located outside the engine. Thanks Matt

Thanks Stormin. Yep, repainting an engine is easy compared with a tractor. By the way, your doing a fine job with your GT. Matt

I have to say this. Considering this is only a 2 hp engine, it is HEAVY!!!! Even with it stripped down to just the block, I hate trying to carry this thing around! I had to hunt down a few parts for this engine, like a lid for the water hopper, a correct valve cover wing nut, and oil fill plug. I also found a correct flat belt pulley to replace the triple groove one that I cut off. I've started painting, and I'm using the correct IH red for the job. I still have alot of painting to do, but the block, and head are done. I've ordered a set of new decals for it, as well as a replacement ID tag. This is where I'm at with this project as of today. Hope you guys enjoy the pics. Matt Thanks, and these were made from 1940-48, and were some of the very last of this design. Matt

Although the head has a few rust pits it should be fine, as the pits are not on the sealing surface. The seats cleaned up decent after cutting them with my Neway seat cutter. The valves on the other hand are junk! I'm having a new set of valves made for it, and they should be ready in about a week. as you can see in the 2nd picture, the top ring was stuck, and it came off in several pieces. I bought a new set of rings, and gaskets for it. The piston is in good shape, and after a good cleaning it was ready to go back in. I gave the cylinder a brief hone, just to give the new rings something to help them seat. The crankshaft was perfect. Matt

I've never seen one of these with a rope start on them before, and I think initially, I'll leave it off, and just use the crank handle. The large triple groove pulley was very rusty, and it really didn't want to come off as you can see in the pics below. After a little time with a hot wrench, it was off. In the picture of the cylinder below, the pitted section is not actually the cylinder, its the combustion chamber. The piston stops about 1 inch before the top. You can see its had some water in it at some point, but the section the piston travels is still in fair shape, and should be fine. The frost plug was rotted out of the bottom of the block, and the lip it sets against was almost gone as well. I was able to set a new plug in there good, and tight, but I had to run JB Weld around the outside when done, to make sure it seals. Its not going to leak now, and with it being on the bottom, no one will ever see it once the engine is all back together. Matt

Hello all. I thought I'd share my most recently acquired project. Its an old International LB 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hp stationary engine. I have been collection old air cooled engines for awhile now, but this is my first of this type engine. Its getting a full restoration. The engine wasn't in to bad a shape when I got it. No compression, but it wasn't stuck, and it was complete. Here are a couple pics of it before disassembly. Matt

Hello again all. Well, I'd done a fair amount more work on the truck, including a custom built high output injection pump, and a set of high pop injectors. These old 6.5's were never as powerful as some of the other diesels we have here in our small trucks like the Duramax, Cummins, Powerstroke, but this 6.5 of mine would certainly surprise some of the newer diesels. The difference in power from when it was still stock, till now was amazing. All was going great, until I blew a head gasket, while pushing 30 psi of boost. Upon tearing it down, I found both my heads were cracked. Anyway, I've now ordered a stronger set of heads for it, as well as a set of ARP head studs to replace the OE bolts, and a better set of head gaskets. Should have it back up, and running soon, and I won't be running my boost quite that high anymore. I installed a 3" front. and 2" rear lift kit on it as well. I already had the money save for my new bigger tires, and wheels, but I'm afraid that will have to wait now, as I've already used the money on new heads. I'm also posting a couple videos below. The first video is how it runs currently with the bigger turbo, custom injection pump, etc... The next one is a video of when it was stock. In the first video, the temporary pause at 30 mph, was just the truck waiting to catch up with the tires. Matt

Very nice work, it looks first class. You work bench looks alot like mine (overloaded), even to the point the your Horses seat is serving temporary work bench duty. Matt

Very nice work Mark, and I love all custom decals on the gauges, etc.. It really makes it look like it came that way from Wheel Horse. Amazing! Matt

Love the tires Chris!! When it comes to tires, bigger is better! Matt

Very nice work Nigel! Those Kubota's are very tough little rigs. Your sure doing right by that one. Matt