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1980 JD 400

4474 Views 46 Replies 20 Participants Last post by  markdtn
I have acquired the tractor I learned to do work on about 30 years ago. THE John Deere 400!. My grandfather bought it brand new in 79 or 80. My dad used it from 1992ish until 1996ish when the engine scattered. This tractor has been sitting untouched in my garage since the last time it moved about 25yrs ago. Other than the scattered engine, it is cherry- Grandpa and dad took very good care of it. My question is........is it worth my time and money to get the beast going again? (After my son and I get our 60 rebuilt [see introduction thread])
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When you say the engine scattered, can you elaborate exactly? These engines are better and more powerful than they get credit for and I’d fix it before I ever thought about repowering. Might take some time but a repower is not a straightforward drop in either.

here’s one I did two years ago
Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle Tread
Train Vehicle Motor vehicle Automotive design Automotive tire
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Jim one thing is doing an oil change add the recommended amount from the manual and then check the dipstick. Sounds obvious right? Those onans for some crazy reason always have oil very high on the stick till you wipe it and recheck, then it gives a correct reading. The Kohlers also can have the oil pressure turned up. Idk about rods breaking though. My idol says they just break, no rhyme or reason. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️
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