Mike Rakow
Member
DTL 3000...no "Y"...sorry!!
Everyone...
I am new to this "small engine" part of the forum, but am a long time user on the Ford 9N site.
I thought I would pick your brains on my little red tractor. I have about a 10 year old Craftsman (DTL 3000) with an 18.5 hp Briggs engine. I use this for the lawn at my home, nothing too rough. I take pretty good care of this tractor (or at least I thought I did!)
. It is in good shape, with good tires and no rust on the deck or anything.
Recently, while mowing the lawn, it started to sputter, like it was running out of fuel. As is drove to the side of the house to refill the fuel, it backfired and died. I refilled the fuel, and could not get it started. I have since replaced the sparkplug and fuel filter. I did get it to run, but very roughly. It seems to be "cycling" 4 smooth "putts", then 4 "rough putts".
I could not locate a small engine repair shop close to home. I ended up calling Sears and had them send their technician out. He said initially it might be a bent valve or pushrod. Upon disassembly of the valve cover.....it pronounced it as something deeper internally. He said it is not a valve or a pushrod, and that the engine had very low compression. He said it either needed rebuilt or replaced, approx. $1100 either way. I declined these options and paid Sears $109 for the at home diagnosis.
I am looking to some opinions as to proceed with my options. As I see them, my options are as follows:
1-push it to the curb and buy a new one for @ $1300. Not at all what I want to do.
2-buy the identical tractor now on local Craigslist for $750....and keep mine and have a ton of spare parts...but have to store 2 tractors in the off season. Again, not really ideal.
3-buy a replacement engine...located a site called engines4less on the internet, and they advertise a 19hp replacement at $629 with free shipping. Anyone heard of dealt with these folks??? It appears they are out of Nebraska?
4- I have located a "semi-local" shop (about an hour away) that is supposedly reputable that could repair/rebuild my motor...but they will not give me an estimate (not even in the ballpark) over the phone. I would need to bring the motor there and leave it with them for an estimate.
With a replacement avail at @ $600....is them rebuilding/repairing my existing motor a possibility?
I am competent enough mechanic to remove the motor from the tractor, and do general repairs, but I am not comfortable attempting an engine rebuild on my own...especially with the cost of parts and my concern for not getting it right. I am Ok with farming the work out...but just not sure what makes sense.
I live in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
Any suggestions??
Mike
Everyone...
I am new to this "small engine" part of the forum, but am a long time user on the Ford 9N site.
I thought I would pick your brains on my little red tractor. I have about a 10 year old Craftsman (DTL 3000) with an 18.5 hp Briggs engine. I use this for the lawn at my home, nothing too rough. I take pretty good care of this tractor (or at least I thought I did!)
. It is in good shape, with good tires and no rust on the deck or anything.
Recently, while mowing the lawn, it started to sputter, like it was running out of fuel. As is drove to the side of the house to refill the fuel, it backfired and died. I refilled the fuel, and could not get it started. I have since replaced the sparkplug and fuel filter. I did get it to run, but very roughly. It seems to be "cycling" 4 smooth "putts", then 4 "rough putts".
I could not locate a small engine repair shop close to home. I ended up calling Sears and had them send their technician out. He said initially it might be a bent valve or pushrod. Upon disassembly of the valve cover.....it pronounced it as something deeper internally. He said it is not a valve or a pushrod, and that the engine had very low compression. He said it either needed rebuilt or replaced, approx. $1100 either way. I declined these options and paid Sears $109 for the at home diagnosis.
I am looking to some opinions as to proceed with my options. As I see them, my options are as follows:
1-push it to the curb and buy a new one for @ $1300. Not at all what I want to do.
2-buy the identical tractor now on local Craigslist for $750....and keep mine and have a ton of spare parts...but have to store 2 tractors in the off season. Again, not really ideal.
3-buy a replacement engine...located a site called engines4less on the internet, and they advertise a 19hp replacement at $629 with free shipping. Anyone heard of dealt with these folks??? It appears they are out of Nebraska?
4- I have located a "semi-local" shop (about an hour away) that is supposedly reputable that could repair/rebuild my motor...but they will not give me an estimate (not even in the ballpark) over the phone. I would need to bring the motor there and leave it with them for an estimate.
With a replacement avail at @ $600....is them rebuilding/repairing my existing motor a possibility?
I am competent enough mechanic to remove the motor from the tractor, and do general repairs, but I am not comfortable attempting an engine rebuild on my own...especially with the cost of parts and my concern for not getting it right. I am Ok with farming the work out...but just not sure what makes sense.
I live in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
Any suggestions??
Mike