slf-uk

That could be a distinct possibility.     But Bolens would say that, wouldn't they.

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

I picked the G14 up today and managed to miss the worst of the weather. The seller was a lovely guy and is interested in old equipment. I pointed him to this forum.
 
A couple of pictures of the G14
 

 

 
I then had my 7 year old lad helping me for the rest of the day so I was unable to get on with anything useful. He wanted to have some tractor time so I thought it would be good to pull a couple of the working tractors out for a line up as the G14 completes a advert type picture. Left to right is a G10, G12, the new G14, H16 and HT23. No G11 as OldBuzzard has all them and Chris has all the HT20's.
 

 
 
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

Right then, being a 1976 engine would make your tractor a 1977.

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

I am having a quick cuppa in between working on the Bolens 800. At last I got around to fitting the anmeter gauge this morning as well as greasing up all the nipples. Battery gone flat though..... Got the battery on a trickle charger so hope that will cure that little problem. Everything seem to be ok as everything moves freely and the gears engages where they should. I am now going to order some belts for this as the old ones are a wee bit frayed.
Also taken some better photos too.

Here you go,
First instalment
The piston and rings look reasonable, but closer inspection shows heavy scoring and erosion due to being coked up.
I thought it was oil ring stuck to the plug, but apparently not.

From the bottom end, some light scoring on the big end journal. It's 4 thou out of round and 6 thou out at its maximum. Just within acceptable tolerances for what I'll be using it for.
Pic shows cam to left and balance gear to right, which will be coming out. I dislike the rattle from it!

Iain,
 
I got a reply from my engine guy :D
 
 
 
H also posted a thread over at the GTTalk forums as well:
http://gardentractortalk.com/forums/topic/43247-how-old-is-my-tecumseh-engine/
 
 
 

Fantastic line up, great 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

Unfortunately a few could not make it, but it was a good day.

 

Hi all was such a nice day I decided to bring out my Rollo tractors for a photo shoot so here they are 

One of the Red Square Wheel Horse members Bowtieguy (Frank Rufenacht) hooked me up with a very nice Wheel Horse D series. I bought his D-160 with the kohler single cyinder. The old girl was well cared for and not abused in any fashion and seems to have a lot of life in her. The best part about the tractor is that it seems to be 100 percent unmolested and in a unrestored state, and other than a bad axle bearing (note picture from the rear) and the need for fresh fluids the tractor seems sound. Apparently Frank, his family, and I have a commonality, we hail from Switzerland. Frank's family has been here in the states for quite some time, at least one generation, but I came over on the boat, well it was actually a 1964 Constellation Comet, but I was born not far from the Rufenacht ancestral home of Rufenacht, Switzerland.

A few more bits painted or in the process of, today. Some photo's for The Showman's delectation.
 
Dash and ammeter panel fitted. Finger marks will be removed.
 

 
Fender cleaned up.
 

 
Underneath of fender with two coats of red oxide and drying in the sun.
 
 

I am not sure if this is the correct section to post this, if not hopefully someone will move it.
 
I have just noticed a crazy modified WH on that well know auction site, that has a Ford V4 engine. It has had such an impact on the seller he has forgotten how to spell so you will need to search for "Modfide Wheel Horse" to see it.
 
I wonder if the seller is related to Ian and I hope it does not give Ian too many ideas otherwise we will be seeing a V8 project soon :)
 
Iain
 

This just keeps on getting better.
 
Iain

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

My wifes been complaining since I had 4 Andrew, I just don't listen anymore

That sounds like you are speaking from experience Iain!
Yeah, it's called white noise!

Ive run out or fingers and toes Andrew, so its over 20

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