How to restore a rare tractor with a blown engine?

mike758 · Jun 24, 2017

I had someone off me a Shaw DuAll R6, I believe a 1948 or 1949. They're relatively rare to begin with, and it's in original (and decent) condition. It also has a mowing deck that's made out of metal and wood (the wood isn't even rotted), and a snow plow, which are two implements I can't even find on the Internet so they're probably rare. The big drawback is the engine is stuck, and has been taken apart for years, a one cylinder Briggs and Stratton ZZR.

Before I buy this, I wanted to see if it's possible to rebuild the engine. I'm not looking for a lawn ornament, and if I swap an engine it would take away the value of it being original. The problem is I probably need new bearings, a piston, and rings. Unlike my farmall cub which has parts available everywhere, I can't find parts on this engine. Are you able to measure the parts and find comparable ones? I've never restored a rare engine before.

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Billy Shafer · Jun 24, 2017

Try over at Smokstak. We have a Briggs section. You would be amazed at what some can come up with.

JDEM · Jun 24, 2017

I had four Shaw four-wheel tractors and three Shaw two-wheel tractors when I moved from New York two years ago (sold them
all). I'd buy that tractor in a flash if $500 or less. I have never seen that belly mower before. I will have to look it up
in my Shaw catalog. Briggs ZZs turn up here and then, complete and running - often for $200 or less. I am sure I could find
one if I needed it. I'd be more concerned with the rear-axle and aluminum housings. Parts for them are near impossible to
find. Trans ought to be a common Warner T series (same used in some Jeeps). I sold my Shaw R7 that was a 1949 with a Briggs
ZZ. I also had a 1942 Shaw HY8 with a 9 HP Wisconsin, along with a 1952 R12 with a two-cylinder Wisconsin TE.

If that tractor is anywhere near Michigan and cheap enough, I'll buy it if you don't.

old · Jun 24, 2017

The Lake of the Ozarks Craig's list has had one for sale for weeks now but they want to much for it at least in my thinking as in they want $3700 for it but it looks very good

mike758 · Jun 24, 2017

It's in PA and I can get it with the mower and plow for $450. The rest of the motor is all in a box, and the hood comes with it too. The only other thing wrong with it is the one tire has a hole in it, probably from sitting awhile on a flat. Obviously though I would still need to find new engine parts, but if it's possible to find another engine that might be worth doing as well.

old · Jun 24, 2017

This one here in Missouri is said to be restored so either they lie or they have found some place to buy parts for it

mike758 · Jun 24, 2017

Restored could mean anything though. They could have simply repainted it. I'll have to post in a Briggs and Stratton forum, because there's probably other motors that have parts that cross reference and are available

old · Jun 24, 2017

Ya may self I hate the term restore or restored because 99% of the time it means they slapped a paint job on it and crossed there fingers it would start and run as it should when they showed it to some one who might buy it.

JDEM · Jun 25, 2017

"Restored" and "rebuilt" are terms that get abused. "Restored" to what? Original mechanical condition? "Restored" to
running condition? "Restored" cosmetically?

I think old tractors in original condition are getting rare and that is how I like them. I don't care to see a tractor
painted better then it was new.

I like that Shaw. If you do not buy it, give me the info and I will.

Note - running complete ZZ Briggs engines are not all that rare. And the later model 23 is even more common and makes a good
replacement 23 can look very close to that ZZ. ZZ is 2 3/4" bore X 3 1/4" stroke. The model 23 that followed it has 3"
bore by 3 1/4" stroke. Plenty around and not expensive.

Stephen Newell · Jun 25, 2017

Do you have most of the parts to the old engine? It may take a very long time but I bet you can find another engine or at least enough parts to that engine you could rebuild it. Some of the simpler parts you might be able to get someone to fabricate.

Maybe these folks can help you. http://shawsters.camp8.org/page-554886

47fivewindow · Jun 25, 2017

here's what you could end with. not mine etc.
poke here

mike758 · Jun 25, 2017

I ended up buying it for $400. There is definitely going to be some work to do, because the transmission has issues too. I think it's the clutch, because it was stuck in gear and even with the clutch in the wheels weren't spinning when I drug it. It eventually broke free but it's still an issue

mike758 · Jun 28, 2017

Update:

I started working on the tractor and it looks to be better than I though. All the engine parts are complete, and the engine spins freely. I am working on pulling the engine now, so I can clean it up and replace gaskets. It supposedly had low compression, so I'm going to take the cylinder to a machine shop to get measured and possible bored, and I also found a source for piston rings both stock and oversized. The only issues I may run into is with the electrical. The transmission is stuck, but I believe that from sitting so long there may be rust in there from moisture. So I'll eventually take the cover off the transmission and inspect inside of it.

fixerupper · Jun 29, 2017

It sounds like you are on the way to a happy ending if you don't find something majorly wrong in the tranny.

How to restore a rare tractor with a blown engine?

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