Siezed up motor

I think you have to assume that the tractor needs another engine. Even if the seller is being honest that it ran when parked you have to wonder why it is seized now. If excessive moisture got into a cylinder the rings could be stuck in the piston even if you can free it up. That would require a rebuild (potentially expensive) or another engine. You really can't tell until you get the engine running or tear it down what you are going to run into. If you can do your own work that helps, but you could still be looking at some bucks to get it running right.

Good luck.

JN

you need to sell me that tractor for $100...I'll have it running this afternoon...So, long as it is parked in a dry place I would NOT assume the worst...if it were stored in a wet place outside for example then I'd take the heads off before I decided anything, what 10 or so bolts? Not very tough? Additionally if anyone remedys it by shooting anything into the cylinders without looking that is a bad call...how does the oil in the crankcase look? everything else? Pop the heads off...simple and easy. If it is shot, rebuild it or replace it?

Really it all boils down to whether or not it really fails on you after you get it free (if it is frozen). Chances are if you just free it up and are able to run it, its longevity is severly in question. But...if you don't care and the deal is that good, free it up and run it till it goes and replace or rebuild. I used to run sandrails with VW motors when I was out west and those were a dime a dozen. In that scenario I had a simple motto: "Drive It Like You Stole It". If it goes then just be prepared to deal with it. imho.

Yeah I passed I've got a 4016 that runs good. I thought for the price of $550.00 it would be something to look into to fix and sell but if it got into a engine rebuild it wouldn't be worth it. Plus it's over 2hrs away from me and he can't seem to send any pics so I can see what kind of shape it's in, so I figured i'm going to save my gas and time.

Adrenalin540 said:

you need to sell me that tractor for $100...I'll have it running this afternoon...So, long as it is parked in a dry place I would NOT assume the worst...if it were stored in a wet place outside for example then I'd take the heads off before I decided anything, what 10 or so bolts? Not very tough? Additionally if anyone remedys it by shooting anything into the cylinders without looking that is a bad call...how does the oil in the crankcase look? everything else? Pop the heads off...simple and easy. If it is shot, rebuild it or replace it?

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I hear what your saying, but if you pull the head off in front of the seller before you buy the thing, the price may go up because he thinks he struck gold. Everyone has an opinion when it comes to buying. I've bought ALOT of tractors that I spotted sitting in backyards rotting away. When I get an idea of what they want for it, I'll make an offer, and say "I'll take it jut the way it is, no need to get a battery and fresh gas since I'm a gambling man." I find most people really don't want to be bothered and take my offer. Sure I've been burned, but not too bad, I know I"ve done very well too. I have an army of good running $25-$100 tractors!:fing32:

Boomer makes a very important point. A lot of people here are offering advice on how to free up the engine. But just because you are able to free it up does not necessarily mean that it will be in runnable condition. Personally I think that most conditions that would cause the motor to be truly seized (not just suffering from a weak starter or battery) have been subjected to some type of condition that likely will affect the longevity.

If you are looking for a project then this might be a good opportunity. If you are considering what you could resell the tractor for once you have spent enough money to repair it properly you could come out on the losing end.

JN