[Tim_Ohio]

Hi, Everyone.

I'm new to the forum and starting my first project. The pictures below are
of my progress today. This is a 1982 JD 400. The PO blew up the engine by not keeping the oil up in it. The crank turns from both ends, but there is absolutely no compression. I haven't taken it apart yet, but I'm thinking both rods are broken and the pistons are frozen. It had 1300 hours on it.

The plan is to repower this with a Generac 990, 33hp engine which will be a big jump from the 19.9 hp Kohler. The Dixie Choppers run this engine and I'm looking forward to the fun of powering up with one.

Here are the pics.

Tim, Ohio

 

[69project]

Good deal. A few of us 400 owners have been looking at the Generac. I have a thread buried here somewhere where I did some research on it earlier this month. I have only found one person who sells them as a repower kit. I have an extra 400 with no motor that I am looking to do that with either late spring or this summer. I need to save some $$ and get some time set apart to do this.

Where are you sourcing the Generac from? Please keep us posted on how this all works out and keep sending the pictures.

Welcome to the forum,

Lee

 

[Tim_Ohio]

@Lee,

I'm going to get the kit from Marty Karow, up in WI. He is the guy
building that kit. His comment was that it's a bit louder then the older
engine. I suppose that would be normal with any engine of that size.

I have some extra cash to do something I really want to do and so, I'm going for it.

I'll try to continue posting as it progresses. It will be a bit slow, though. There are a number of things I want to do while the engine is out of the frame.

Tim

 

[69project]

Yup, that is the guy who I found. No problem with slow, just take lots of pictures, we are slow readers around here but make up for it by studying all the pretty pictures people post up.

If you do a search, there is another person on here that is doing a 400 restore, I think he goes by Ubbergearhead 99. His thread may have some tips for you. He is going back stock so his engine adventures will not help you. Also, go to Weekend Freedom Machines if you run out of information here. They have a wealth of information over there as well.

 

[Leinie]

If you are tearing it down, check into improving the steering. Those 400's use alot of real estate when turning.

Nice upgrade on the engine, take the time to improve the handling.

 

[stickboat1]

Leinie,
I also have a 400gift I saw pieces. Couldn't figure out how to put the pics on here so thayr on my home page.
But what are you suggesting for upgrades to improve turning radius. ? Aside of replacing the whole system. ?
Tim, It looks like im just ahead of you on your rebuild . Im in process of going ba k together with stock engine. The short block is done. Now if this Darn Michigan weather would lighten up a bit o to the temps. (No heat in shop) .
By the way.... Where did you ever get that nice clean garage??? Lol ... I want one... Hahaha..
I figure i'll have bout $1000 into the overhaul.... Incl. New rubber on back. (Super luggers) and paint, and missing parts. Not bad for an $800 find w/a loader.... the loader might be a fiew more $$$
Keep the shiny side up.. Dave. :greendr:

 

[Tim_Ohio]

Leinie,
I also have a 400gift I saw pieces. Couldn't figure out how to put the pics on here so thayr on my home page.
But what are you suggesting for upgrades to improve turning radius. ? Aside of replacing the whole system. ?
Tim, It looks like im just ahead of you on your rebuild . Im in process of going ba k together with stock engine. The short block is done. Now if this Darn Michigan weather would lighten up a bit o to the temps. (No heat in shop) .
By the way.... Where did you ever get that nice clean garage??? Lol ... I want one... Hahaha..
I figure i'll have bout $1000 into the overhaul.... Incl. New rubber on back. (Super luggers) and paint, and missing parts. Not bad for an $800 find w/a loader.... the loader might be a fiew more $$$
Keep the shiny side up.. Dave. :greendr:

Leinie,

Thanks for your comments. I hope your weather warms up. I'm struggling with that issue a bit too. I'm going to have to use a portable heater if I do any frame painting. I'm not looking forward to spending that much time in an
enclosed garage with a bunch of CO. I've been there and done that, but I don't have any other way to heat it up enough for painting.

Anyway, I would be interested in seeing pics of your project too.

Are you hinting that the loader is for sale? If so, I might be interested.
Let me know.

As for my next move, I'm going to remove the front PTO and rebuild it with new bearings, then inspect and possibly replace or rebuild the PTO clutch.
I don't really know why I'm doing all of this, except for being a bit bored and
needing something to do, chuckling. It keeps me out from in front of a screen (TV, computer or game).

Tim, Ohio

 

[stickboat1]

Tim. Im working on putting a "ceramic pannel " heater (gas) in my shop. had the gas plumbed to outside of wall last mo. I use a 5 pannel in the house and got a new one this yr. so old is going in shop.
Being in ohio you must be getting some of the same weather I am . I have family in the Napoleon area...
Leinie. please excuse the typos. i was using my phone. (not so smart) lol
No sorry the loader wont be for sale any time soon,,, If ever.. Its an awsome combo. lots of ideas for it here on my hobby farm.
I'll get some pics up as soon as i figure out the thumb nail thing. until then go to my pics. i put a fiew in there and set up my "garage" .
well gotta go ... Nite all... lol I work wierd hours...

 

[Leinie]

I mentioned the steering issue because it was a real annoyance when I operated a 400 years ago. I don't really have any answers as to how to modify it. Just suggesting that it's something to look into.
That and a 400 could be something I would be interested in, in the future if I knew their was a fix for the steering.
I'm hoping you guys figure it out for me !:thanku: Good luck

 

[69project]

I am not sure there is an easy fix for the steering. It's not that big of an issue for me, although I do see your point. My 425 steers a lot sharper. I have just accepted it as one of the limitations of the tractor and my lack of creative thinking for a solution. I am thinking you would have to replace the whole front end to change the geometry around to make it turn sharper. I do see steering stops on the front spindles, I do not know if they actually make contact or not, I do not think mine ever have. Part of the problem as I see it to modifying the steering is the axle has the front PTO running through it so whatever you came up with would have to accomodate that.

Where there is a will there is a way, but I am sure it wouldn't be cheap. I do not know if the 420's steering is better and if you can fit it in there. If you went to that trouble, you would probably be better off just getting a 420.