[cmup]

So I thought I would bring this to the experts, thank you in advance by the way. So here is the deal, in a passing conversation with one of my brother in laws, a fellow deere hound, I discovered my grandfather's H-3 is still around... After discussing this with my uncle, who still uses the tractor, a deal is in the works, hopefully...

So the big questions are...
Why would the dipstick pop out while the engine is cranking? There is a vacume while the engine is running, crankcase breather?

What do I need to know about putting a 140 back together? So far, wiring, new deck, loose front wheel bearings, overhauled something like 15 years ago...

Are knobs, parts, pieces still availible? and what will the 140's do compared to the 318's?

What sort of life expectancy do the 14 horse kohlers have? And am I nuts to take on another one, since the 210/hydrolift engine comes out today if I am lucky...

Happy Holidays!
Conrad

 

[Richardc]

Conrad,
First off, no one on this site would call you nuts to take on and give an old LGT a new lease on life. I restored a 140 within the last year and I can tell you they are great tractors. The H3 makes that much better. My dipstick tube was doing the same thing as yours. I would definitely service the breather and get a new dipstick. That rubber o-ring seal gets hard and worn out and does not keep it in place. You will find a tighter fit with a new one. If you have restored one of these before you know to take lots of pictures for reference and to show us as you progress. A manual is a definite plus especially if you are not familiar with the tractor. When I did mine I was able to get everything I needed for it. Mostly from JD some from ebay. There are a few guys on this site who deal with used parts and are great to deal with. As far as the comparison to a 318 you are basically looking at old versus new. Aside from the HP diff. and p/s I think the 140 is a comparable machine.
Sorry to be so long winded.
Richard

 

[tsst1]

Conrad,

I agree with Richard. 140 is one of Deere's best L&G machines through the years. As far as vs 318 you lose a few HP and power steering but you gain 3 valve hydraulics (H3) and classic status. The biggest question would be what you intend to use tractor for. For the most part a good running 140 will lose traction before it runs out of HP unless you have it weighted down for max traction. Power steering is always nice to have but if you don't have a big snowblower out front you will be fine without it. Good luck. By the way I am a little partial, I have three 140s.

 

[Homeri14]

Conrad.

No it's not worth the hassle. What you can do is let me come and haul it away for you. Since I'm a nice guy I can do it for free.

Seriously. If you have it and it rolls or could roll with a little work then the rebuild is worth it. But if you need me to come and get it out of your way I can leave now

 

[tbjd140]

Hi Everyone,

Conrad,
I will very much have to agree with Richard , Todd and Johnny. That a 140 is a very nice tractor, and besides I don't think I would let a tractor that belongs to my grandpa get a way either. You would regret that down the road!!!
Comparing the 140 to the 318 is like Richard says is a matter of old verses new. the 140 has a smaller fuel tank and no power steering, but in my opinion is easier to work on. But the fact it belongs to your grandpa pretty much says it ALL!!!
Take Care
Tom B.

P.S. Let us know how it turns out.
P.S.S. I like Todd, am a little partial to the 140 too, As I also have a few of them!!!

 

[ajcan]

Conrad
I just picked up my Grandpa's old snapper.Not really my cup of tea but my Grandmother is selling everything off going to a retirement home.No one else wanted it and there was no way I was letting it go if no one else wanted it.I will keep it forever.I miss him and think of him every time I go into the garage and see it.I owned both the 318 and a few 140's.I prefer the 318 but would not turn down a 140 under any circumstance.Let us know what you decide.

AJ

 

[Dan0]

I would NOT part with granddad's tractor. We have an 8N from grandpaw, altho she's needin a restore, we still have it in the corral.
Tom is RIGHT, you will KICK yourself for ever lettin it go.
dan0

 

[cmup]

Thanks for the encouragement. After my Dad had passed away we quit farming strawberries, soon after we got rid of the two oldest tractors and equipment "no longer needed". At the prices they went for, it wasn't very practicle, a 140 isn't nearly as big...

I am not totally sure the uncle is ready to part with it, but I think a little Christmas eggnog may sway him. He said he is not really attached to it, but who knows. Know to figure out a good offer to close the deal... Time for some research, off to machine finder...!

 

[wba1949]

Conrad, If you're looking to Machine Finder to give you any idea of what a nice 140 is worth, it's doubtful you will get a good example there. Chances are, whatever Deere has is in pretty sorry shape and overpriced, to boot. Of course there are many variables involved, but the fact that it was Grandpa's would make me willing to pay a little more up-front. Good luck!! Bill

 

[csw693]

Conrad,
Keep it in the family.
I helped a guy a work, a few years ago, track down his wife's Grandfather's 66 110. That had been gone for 15+yrs. Everyone is happy that it is back in the family now.
They even had her Grandfather get on it for some pictures before he passed on.

Price = Priceless

Best of Luck!

 

[tktrain]

I would basically go along with everyone who has chimed in thus far. Beyond the sentimental value in keeping your Grandfather' tractor, in my humble opinion, the 140 was the best Deere made. It was designed and built before the accountants started running (read that as ruining) the show. I've heard old Deere employees refer to it as a scaled down 4020. The Kohler K series engines are nearly bulletproof, just keep the oil changed on schedule. Don't get me wrong, the 318's are awesome machines and I would be proud to have one, but the 140's are strength and ease of maintenance defined.

 

[tsst1]

Like my dad said "I have NEVER heard anyone say they didn't like a JD 140"

 

[robb318]

Conrad,

You asked about parts still available from Deere. When I restored my 69 H1, I replaced all the knobs with new, right from Deere. The only items that I believe are no longer available are the correct light switch, lighter, and steering wheel. New knobs, in my opinion, really dress up a tractor.

Also (gratuitous plug) be sure to check out some of the parts guys that post here often, Randy Becker and Brad Lundell. As strong as the 140 was, many of them have made there way to these two to be parted out so that another tractor can be given a new lease on life. A little time spent jawing with one of these guys might net you some real nice original pieces.

 

[cmup]

Robb,
Thanks, I couldn't believe the amount of goodies this tractor had... I don't the lighter was ever used, neither were the front hydraulic connections... Now all I have to do is seal the deal with the Uncle... He missed the Christmas get together and so another trip to PA is soon to come.

Thanks! And Happy New Year!

 

[aquist06]

My father recently purchased a 445. We were changing the oil in it and when we filled it, under the oil cap there was white 'stuff' for lack of a better term. My 425 had the same thing when I changed my oil. The oil in the crankcase was not milky and the coolant levels in both tractors is fine. Is this something that people normally see? Just curios if I need to look further into this.

Thanks

Adam

 

[woodpecker41]

Usually it is condensation that causes that from the times the engines are run and don't get fully warmed up. Roger

 

[rustyknuckles]

In the "good old days" I used to see that in some of my cars. I believe that the detergents in the oil mix with moisture in the crankcase to make - soap!

 

[aquist06]

Thanks for the info, I just wanted to make sure others had seen it as well. I figured it wasn't coolant, but whenever I see milky white stuff with oil around, I get nervous.

 

[harbertm]

Hey all,
I have another 445/425 question
I understand Kawasaki had a lot of variations of this engine but wanted to see if the 425 shortblock is compatiable with the 445 model? I'm considering buying a 445 with a bad engine and would like to know the interchangeability of these two.

Thank you for any help you can provide!!

 

[jdmaninlouky]

Matt -

They are the same short-blocks . Major diff is ignition on 445 only has one pick-up coil and a very expensive fuel inj./ignition module , fuel inj. throttle body on 445 , and some heads may have minor differences in spark plug hole base thickness area . They are same block and rotating mass , just different peripheral items .

Dave