[chuck_weaver]

I found a 400 for sale that sounds like a good deal except for the engine. Here is the description:

1970's John Deere 400 lawn tractor/ snowblower.
Model # C400H Srl# 098061 with Kohler K5-32QS motor.
plus hydraulic snowblower attachment.
Motor quit 2 weeks ago, (will not start, exhaust blowing out of carb, valve issues?), everything else works, good tires, chains.etc....
$400.00...

If you have experience with this model, any comment on the motor that will not start. Wouldn't the snowblower be worth almost $400?

 

[denniscary]

That's a steal , buy it. The snow blower alone is worth that

 

[69project]

That is a good price. You could part it out for a lot more than he is asking but who knows how big the market for 400 stuff is in your area.

As for what is wrong with it, I would get a compression check on it and then go from there. It might be something simple as the points being out of adjustment, fuel pump died, bad battery who knows. For that price though it is worth the bet in my mind. If the compression is super low in one of the cylinders then it is probably a broken rod as the Kohler engines like to break rods due to a less than optimal oiling circuit design.

 

[army]

I'd be all over it if it was around here. At $400 it would be a cheap parts machine for me.

Ah.. who am I kidding.. It would never actually be a parts tractor. I would feel compelled to bring it back to life. That's how I ended up with my 3rd 400, which is now my snowblowing and backup mowing machine. It's a beater and occasionally when it gives me a grief I tell myself I'm going to take it out of service and cannibalize it. I never do though.


Army

 

[tfixer]

Chuck,
That would be a tough deal to pass up. Did you go and get it? If not, do you know if it is still available? Please drop me note via email, if you will share, I would love come down and pick that one up.

 

[7dad34]

Most likely the right side rod gave out as most all of them do. You can get a repower kit for around $1200 or rebuild the engine.
I would jump all over that for $400 and get it going. In the end you wouldn't be able to buy anything close for the money you would have invested.

 

[jd4001]

Agreed $400 with the blower is a very very good deal. You can look around for various re-power options as you fix/clean everything else up and when you button everything back up you will have a great machine.

 

[johndeerenuts]

I would say that the intake valve is stuck open. Cam may have stopped turning. George

 

[7dad34]

If you do buy it and you decide to rebuild, this is the place for advice. I rebuilt the Kohler K582 in the 400 I had and received a great deal of help from many members here. You really should buy it. One heck of a tractor

 

[crazyhorse]

Mr Chuck, I agree with the others.

Hope you get it .