I successfully replaced my cover gasket and front PTO shaft seal. I feel like I could go farther but how far to go? This is my only experience with engines so I am definitely apprehensive. Items that I am considering:
1) Carb work - My tractor always smells like fuel. It runs hot. I have trouble starting it without Dragon'sBreath after the engine sits for a week without starting - I have never done a carb before. I would love to knock this off my bucket list but not at the expense of completely screwing it up! Can anyone steer me in the right direction?
2) Filter adapter cover gasket (circled below) - I found this leaking and was able to get a couple turns on the top cap screw. The bottom cap screw is blocked by what I think is a motor mounting ear. Has anyone ever seen this?
3) Cylinder head gasket replacement - The engine blower housing is what has got me tripped up. Looks to me like the design intent is for the engine to be removed in order to take off the blower housing. The 317 manual advises to remove the spark plugs and bend the shroud. Is this gasket job similar in complexity to the cover gasket? Is it risky for someone who has never done it?
4) Breather clean/replace/replace gasket
5) Replace other gaskets/seals - Out of the items in the gasket kit I received from Amazon (pictured below, thanks @TempletonJDguy), what other gaskets/seal replacements woudl be the best bang for my buck? All?
6) Points. I feel like the timing for the engine is right on? Is it worth cleaning these while I am right there?
7) Replace spark plugs - is there a special spark plug socket?
8) Replace spark plug cables - they look brittle and cracked.
9) Clean (steam?) Engine and frame - the huge amount of oil and dirt built up in the places I can't reach is driving me crazy. I want to put this back together looking great! I don't necessarily want to remove the engine for this (especially due to my limited experience). I have had little success using compressed air but this needs so muchmore.
I appreciate anyone who even took the time to read through this. I will do my own research but I would be so appreciative of anyone who would take the time to answer any of my questions. Thank you!
Best regards
@Mike_U @charms @mjydrafter @DEERE317 @army
1) Carb work - My tractor always smells like fuel. It runs hot. I have trouble starting it without Dragon'sBreath after the engine sits for a week without starting - I have never done a carb before. I would love to knock this off my bucket list but not at the expense of completely screwing it up! Can anyone steer me in the right direction?
2) Filter adapter cover gasket (circled below) - I found this leaking and was able to get a couple turns on the top cap screw. The bottom cap screw is blocked by what I think is a motor mounting ear. Has anyone ever seen this?
3) Cylinder head gasket replacement - The engine blower housing is what has got me tripped up. Looks to me like the design intent is for the engine to be removed in order to take off the blower housing. The 317 manual advises to remove the spark plugs and bend the shroud. Is this gasket job similar in complexity to the cover gasket? Is it risky for someone who has never done it?
4) Breather clean/replace/replace gasket
5) Replace other gaskets/seals - Out of the items in the gasket kit I received from Amazon (pictured below, thanks @TempletonJDguy), what other gaskets/seal replacements woudl be the best bang for my buck? All?
6) Points. I feel like the timing for the engine is right on? Is it worth cleaning these while I am right there?
7) Replace spark plugs - is there a special spark plug socket?
8) Replace spark plug cables - they look brittle and cracked.
9) Clean (steam?) Engine and frame - the huge amount of oil and dirt built up in the places I can't reach is driving me crazy. I want to put this back together looking great! I don't necessarily want to remove the engine for this (especially due to my limited experience). I have had little success using compressed air but this needs so muchmore.
I appreciate anyone who even took the time to read through this. I will do my own research but I would be so appreciative of anyone who would take the time to answer any of my questions. Thank you!
Best regards
@Mike_U @charms @mjydrafter @DEERE317 @army