slf-uk

Fantastic message for the cause of preserving the past

Good call Andrew, I had forgotten about the diff lock, clearly I have been spending too much time with tractors that don't have one First job this evening was to fit the new engine bolts. For this you need the patients of a saint and the hands the size of a five year old and I have neither, so I spent a fun time getting the bolts through the chassis tubes, through the spacer and into the bottom of the engine whilst at the same time lifting the engine slightly. I then freed up the diff lock and free wheeling pin, in much the way described by Andrew and Dave. For the free wheeling hub I used a hammer and drift after removing the wheel. The diff lock was seized in the off position which is what you would expect for a tractor that has been predominantly been used for grass cutting duties. Both now working as expected and an "R" clip fitted to the free wheeling pin. Iain

In the past I have found that the technique Dave suggested works very well for the freewheeling pin. When they are really rusted I have also removed the roll pin from the rear axle so the pin can come completely out for cleaning. This will be the first job tonight. My new engine bolts arrived today, really fast service as I only ordered them Monday night. I did feel they were a tad expensive, can anyone recommend a good online seller of imperial fixings? Thanks Iain

Andrew, I remember reading something about dating Wisconsin engines. I am pleased you asked about the outstanding jobs on the Bolens, it made stand back and reflect. I want to get to the point when I can try to fire it up to see if an engine rebuild is required. Before I can try to fire it up I need to remove the PTO and the bracket that is attached to the rear axle, so I can replace the engine and axle oil. I then need to rebuild the carb, free up the throttle cable, repair the hood and buzz out some odd wires. I also need to free up the freewheeling pin on the back axle. No progress tonight because it was parents evening at the kids school. I am impressed by the amount of wear on the front spindles and front axle, it is worse than any of my other tractors. A full rebuild is required on the front end. The bronze bush on the non diff lock side of the rear axle is toast too, but not unexpected given the wear on the front.

Not too much to report on the G14. I have made the replacement engine spacers but then found that I do not have any bolts of the correct length so that is on hold waiting for the postie. I have pulled the carb off in preparation for a quick rebuild, pulled the hood off to straighten the hinge area and also replaced more missing fixings. I noticed that I had another Tecumseh engines tractor in the workshop so I couldn't resist popping the hood to check the engine serial number. The tractor is a Bolens G10 but the engine ID tag on a HH100 is partial hidden behind the carb. I managed to get my phone behind the carb and take a picture. Using the formula kindly supplied by OldBuzzard is looks like a 1973 engine made on the 284th day, which suggest that this G10 is a 1974 machine. This is really additive. Iain

I just noticed this very interesting tractor comparison brochure on the auction site, link below. Some may find it an interesting read http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Extremely-rare-1969-Bolens-tractor-comparison-brochure-original-/291401646898?ssPageName=ADME:SS:SS:GB:1120 I am very tempted to buy it and post sections on this forum so we can all learn together however I think that might result in a shorter life expectancy. Iain

Digging up an old thread. On Saturday I had the joy of cutting the hedge around our garden which is approx 8 foot high and well over 700 foot long. I hate doing this job because I am left handed and most hedge cutters appear to be designed for right handed people, which results in having the exhaust in my face. I also suffer from sinus problems so I am usually ill for three days after each cutting session. It normally takes me four days to finish the job, which I spread over four weekends. I decided to give this Aspen fuel a try and I managed to cut the complete side of the hedge in one day without feeling ill afterwards. Just about every muscle in my body aches but I feel fine, the rest is just old age. I used a gallon of fuel so it was not a cheap cut but worth it. Next weekend I will get some more fuel and tackle the top. Thanks for the recommendation guys. Iain

Thanks Dave. It has been fascinating uncovering the age of this tractor, it has got me thinking about the rest of my collection Iain

Andrew, the hitch for the 800 is identical to the one you have on the 1254. I believe all tubframes use the same hitch with the exception of the 600 where the hitch is cast into the axle.

The RAM would be great done to the same standard. I would suggest buying or making a tow hitch for the 800 as it appears to be the only thing missing.

I took a quick picture of the engine number. The spec number is hard to read but the serial number is clear. From my reading that is the 345 day of 1976, which is consistent with the age of the tractor. Iain

I didn't realise how good that 800 was until I studied your latest pictures, it is fantastic. Iain

No problem Norm, I've got the beer and crisps ready. It would be good to see the next instalment before the beer runs out though Iain

Thanks OB, I need to drop the hood off the G14 tonight so that will give me the chance to have a good look at the engine serial number. Iain

A while back I had a picture on a rear wheel of my Bolens HT23 and I needed to use it, so I put the wheels from my D-160 on. They were the same PCD, but the Bolens did look funny with those skinny wheels.

Fantastic line up, great collection. Iain

Fantastic machines, I love them. Iain

Love the D-160, it is in really good condition. I have a D-160 and a D-200 neither look as good as yours. It is great that you have the 3pt fitted to it and that the steering wheel centre has not gone missing. I like the way that the rear wheels are made with an additional set of holes so you can either have them tucked in or offset. Looking at your pictures, yours appear to be fitted to give you the wider track. The concern I always have with my D's is the strength of the rear axle as the axle bearings are a long way from the hub, partially noticeable in your first picture. Great addition to your collection Iain

Looking good and great progress, it is really coming together. I'm with Mr Showman, no pictures means that it didn't happen Iain

Hi Rob, welcome to MOM. It fantasitc to have another Bolens person on board I have an Bolens 850 in my collection which is very original, so let me know if you get stuck with where something goes. Best wishes Iain

I am thinking of doing the same on an engine, so I will be very interested to see how you get on with the rebuild kit. I'll pull up a chair and closely follow this thread Iain

Andrew, it is a Colchester Master. An old but very nice machine to use.

No problem, the tractors have seats and you can put a table cloth on the hood. Problem solved

Wow, yet another good looking Wheelhorse for your collection. Chris, it looks like you need to build a bigger patio Iain

Tonight's progress was minimal as I finished from work later than normal and had to get some equipment ready for tomorrow. I did a bit of investigation on the exhaust and found that the elbow is held into the engine with a spring Many years ago when I was involved with hydroplane racing we put a spring on the exhaust so that it would pass the noise test and then on throttle the back pressure would pull the exhaust down the pipe to the open part to remove the restriction, maybe this was done for the same reason I then decided to do a bit of lathe work to make up some replacement engine spacers. Working in my workshop is a bit of a challenge at the moment as every inch of space is occupied with something. I can't remember reading anything in machining books about being careful about digger arms so it passed the risk assessment even though it made my back hurt and I had to stand in the bucket to work. I nearly finished the spacers but ran out of time, so hopefully I can do a bit more tomorrow night. Progress is slow but in the right direction. Iain