Shade tree tractor mechanic questions

[IDFWU]

I’ve got a 1980 or so model John Deere 950 we use at the lease for mowing, light brush work, etc.

When It was given to me in 2017 it had water in the engine oil. I replaced the head gasket, which was clearly blown, and have had zero problems since.

Recently water showed up again. I put a new head gasket, changed the oil/filter, etc and ran it again. Oil shows back up almost immediately AND it started leaking oil at the bell housing (where the clutch is) when the tractor warms up.

Took it to the dealership and they want $3700 for parts and labor to put new pistons, sleeves, water pump and replace the gasket at the bell housing.

Most of the labor cost comes from splitting the tractor and putting it back together.

1. Is this a fair price?
2. Should I pay them to check for cracks/warping on the head before doing anything else?
3. What else should I be concerned about?

Don’t want to keep throwing money at it but dang tractors are expensive.

[samj]

I am not a tractor mechanic. However, I have had plenty hot rod motors built. In my opinion, dealing with the weight and mass of having to split the tractor, get into the motor, replace the above mentioned parts, the price seems fair to me. Checking for a cracked, warped head and making sure the deck is flat should be standard procedure in your situation. Sam J.

[jdg13]

I had an old JD about a year ago that needed a clutch and rear main seal. Was quoted around $2k because it had to be split. In your case, $3700 to split the tractor and refresh the engine sounds reasonable. I'd have them check the head for sure. Might as well do mainseal if they arent already and check the clutch while it's apart. I hear you on cost. Used to you could get a serviceable small tractor for $3700. Now $5k gets you something that probably needs work and a new one is ridiculously priced.

[Texas Grown]

Head warp-age would be the first thing I'd check. But since you've got the head off, it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and check the other stuff too, since it's been exposed to water. Price seems fair enough to low to me for that work listed. Is that just for parts? Or just labor?

[eastover53]

1. Is this a fair price?
2. Should I pay them to check for cracks/warping on the head before doing anything else?
3. What else should I be concerned about?

Don’t want to keep throwing money at it but dang tractors are expensive.

1. Maybe. I have split a lot of tractors and it is a royal PITA unless you have the proper stands and hoists. Do you have a lot of engine blow by? I am questioning the need for a top end rebuild.
2. Always have the head machined and checked for cracks.
3. I would be concerned about a cracked block. Did it run hot? Is that the reason for replacing the water pump?

[RMW]

With jack stands and couple floor jacks your tractor can be split in 1-2 hours. I’ve split a many and put new clutches in, the newer tractors are a PIA with all the crap on them.

[Greenheadless]

I also would check to make sure the head isn’t warped or a cracked block as well.

[JhuntsAlot]

I have the same tractor. I had to revive it because it was seized up due to a blown head gasket.

I did the work myself and it was a MAJOR chore. I would say $3700 is a very fair price for parts & labor. Heck, that would be fair for just the labor, having done it before. The parts are not cheap either, if they can even find them. It was like I was rebuilding a classic car when I tried to find parts.



J

[IDFWU]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I’ve told the dealership to start with checking for cracks and find out if the head is warped first.

yes the price represents parts and labor but does not include a new clutch or checking the head for cracks/warp.

Eastover….im not sure what engine blow by is

the tractor did get hot. It was ran (by a family member) without enough coolant and over heated.

the engine has always been strong and runs great. No knocking or loss of power, etc.

[eastover53]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I’ve told the dealership to start with checking for cracks and find out if the head is warped first.

yes the price represents parts and labor but does not include a new clutch or checking the head for cracks/warp.

Eastover….im not sure what engine blow by is

the tractor did get hot. It was ran (by a family member) without enough coolant and over heated.

the engine has always been strong and runs great. No knocking or loss of power, etc.

Engine blow by is a condition that happens when your rings/pistons/sleeves are bad. Pressure from the combustion "blows by" the rings and into the crankcase. This is usually identified by pulling the oil dipstick while the engine is running. If the rings/pistons/sleeves are bad, you will see smoke and/or oil splattering from the dipstick tube.

[IDFWU]

Deff learned something new. Thank you

[RWB]

I would call Cottonwood tractor and get an estimate to see how much extra your paying to have it done by a dealership. I would trust their work over any dealership especially on that age tractor.