ingersoll 222questions

Hello everyone. I have the opportunity to purchase an Ingersoll
222, its going to need an engine overhaul (piston,rings, governer
gear, undersized rod and all machine work) and it will need deck
bearings.it is a 1987 model and shows 791 hrs. It is in good
shape, not beat up and the paint is good, just needs a bath. He is
asking 500 for it, I think its a fair price but just was curious what
other ppl thought.

I'm not familiar with the tractor, but do know
about engines. What make of engine ?

If you think thats a good price, go buy it.
Don't worry about what other people think aboot it.
Its your money.

Personally, I would not buy it at that price. Check Ebay for comparative prices. Check for parts availability. They do look well built.

I would spend that much on a 300 or 400 series John Deere tho...

You could easily spend $750+ in parts. No telling what labor will be.

I bought a 1995 Exmark 0 turn with a blown engine for $500. I did spend $400 for parts rebuilding it. Another $300 repairing minor things. The previous owner cranked the Kohler engine while the back case half was off. I think something got bent or something. It sounds like a rod bearing knocking but everything is tight inside. It might be the exhaust and thin muffler? Anyway, I am happy with it and ready to find another engine if this one shells out. 2 summers out of it so far.

If the tractor and deck are in decent shape, then $500.00 isn't over the top.

Deck bearings are a normal wear and tear item and they are cheap to buy.

You have a Kohler K301 engine under the hood and these engines do not cost a lot to rebuild. You will find kits on e-Bay consisting of a new rod, piston, wrist pin, rings, gaskets and seals for around the $100.00 mark. I suggest that install new valves and valve springs along with a new governor gear.

Any competent machine shop can grind the valve seats, replace the valve guides, lap in the new valves, deck the block, mill the head, grind the crank throw and check the camshaft to make sure it is not twisted and that the lobe profile is to spec.

If your engine has governor gears, then either buy new ones or just toss the old ones out.

Whether you realize it or not, the replacement tractor for that 222 will cost you over six grand with no deck. That is the sort of quality that comes with a Case GT.

If it is an untouched 87, then you should see Anniversary stickers on either side of the dash tower. As for the hour meter, do not believe what you are reading. A reasonably cared for Kohler will last double that figure and still give good performance.

Wave 4 Presidents under his nose and see what happens.

Here's one local to me, statewise..
Case 444

Ain't been a Deere built that can compare to the quality of a Case GT.