88 thoughts

agonair

Member
I went to look at a neighbor's 88. He has passed and the tractor has been exposed to the elements. It has power steering and and hydra lectric. No belt pulley.
Initial observations:
1. Engine stuck. Muffler rusted off and is open. Someone took the oil cup off of the air cleaner so it is open.I checked the oil. Slightly over full, but was clean and had a good smell to it. Manifold is good.

2. Tires flat but they might hold air
3. Tin work is there. Grills are banged up. Missing left rear panel.
4. Has the tool box lid and spring.

I could not get the SN. It has the larger brake pedals, but the band brakes. Lights and fenders are there.
It is not a basket case.
I am thinking i can get it for very little. What would you do first to resurrect it?
 

Well, the first thing I would start with is an economic analysis. In our lifetimes, it will never be worth what tires and an engine job will cost. If it's a diesel the pump will most likely need to be gone through. Given you can buy a really nice 88 for $2-2.5K, what's your time also worth?

If like most everyone else here, you're comfortable with figuratively burning money on old tractors, I'd just start with the valve cover and see if the valves are stuck. From there I'd pull the injectors or spark plugs and see which holes are stuck. A cheap (or not) inspection camera borescope/endoscope are great tools to have available nowadays. Some just plug into a smartphone and are waterproof. For the price, everyone mechanic should have one.

It sounds like you have a good parts tractor and I'd be looking to get it on the cheap (or free) as well.
 

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