[Complete] Mightyraze's Kal-El [2018 Build-Off Entry]

Dave.MTD wrote:

New profile pic looks awesome Mighty.  Did I miss you putting new shocks on Kal?  I don't recall pics but those new ones look sweet!

Good eye.  LOL  That didn't take long.  Since the beans have been somewhat spilled.

Yeah the whole front was changed out.

Before...

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[img]http://mightyraze.com/wp-content/gallery/pops/37140315_2597264620498183_1091241419139448832_n.jpg[/img]

After...

AllisKidD21 wrote:

Yeah she looks fantastic. I have a feeling there's something new with the front axle that you're not showing us Mighty, I'm not gonna rack my brain trying to figure it out though.

Up till today, @AllisKidD21, was the only one with the full update.  No more rack ing brains and getting o-pinions LOL

Changed made:  

• New front frame
  
• new monolink rebuild
  
• new bumper
  
• added 2nd NiLight
  
• new shocks
  
• exited exhaust out in front of tires.
  
• changed engines
  
• new rack-n-pinion steering
  
• ammo box trunk on the rear rack
  
• horn
  
• Dual USB 2.1 amp charging port
  
  

Well I'm blown away!  I love everything.  This thing has every feature you could want!  I like the stinger on the front bumper how you covered it with sheet metal.  I'm excited to see what kind of video you make with it.

Wow...you've been busy Mighty. Front end looks killer, rack and pinion should work awesome, and I love the exhaust exiting in front of the rear tire there. This build looks amazing! How's she handle with the new goodies up front?

Looking really good! Is she particularly heavy on the front end?

man, everybody is getting a rack but me...

A bit front heavy, but I make a pretty good counter weight.. LOL

Looks pretty Sweet!!! I like it!!

Is it bad that I have thought of some changes down the line? LOL

Decided that I will not use the brother of Kal in another build but to part it down as spare parts for Kal.

Kinda bit sad...
Nice Mower BTW!

Great work Mighty! A parts mower is always a nice luxury

very cool what is that rack and pinion from?

mrshaft696 wrote:

very cool what is that rack and pinion from?

yerf dog. not 100% happy with it as the inner tie rod links are pretty flimsy. Should it fail, I will weld in some heim links or something. Other than that, after modifying the tie rods, it works good.

MightyRaze wrote:

Doing some compression tests because of some power loss.

Kal - 18hp Oppy 63 psi and Leak down passed (lack of power).
Red- 17hp Oppy 78 psi no leak down tested (Lots of power).
Squatch - 16hp oppy 59 psi no leak down (Lots of power).

Doing some research, Briggs does not give compression values but recommends leak down tests.  I've read people getting anywhere between 50-100psi compression running good.

I'm thinking now that I may need to look into the carb.  Maybe a good cleaning.  Runs good, but has a bog down on mashing of the gas.  Before I take it apart, I will try some other things like new gas, and re-adjust low end jet.  I think I can do that on this carb.  Also a new set of plugs.  I had one busted that was arching, so I do have an older set in right now.

Other things to check or have checked.

Gas cap is venting well.
Maybe replace the fuel filter?

So, cleaned the garage today and then I put Kal's old engine up on the table.  Found that both valve covers were leaking out the bottom running under the pistons.  Also when I went to pull the vacuum line I found that it was busted in half.  Imagine that... I wonder if that was the source of power loss or lack of fuel at faster RPM?  Sure makes sense. Anyways, I think I will give that engine to my dad to work with.

Sounds like simple problems but tricky to diagnose when it’s covered in oil on the tractor

Engine given to my dad.  Hope I got all the bugs out.  Wouldn't you know, the day I finally can maybe film my final video it is 35*f outside.....  GRR...and brr

EDIT: And 20-30 mph winds.... 

COMPLETE....

I'm walking away from this topic to enjoy the ride.  Vote Kal-El!

Nice video you put together.  It really does the tractor justice.  I like the decal for the shift pattern.  It really fits the theme nicely.  Looked like the tractor handled really well too.

I was really hoping to take it down to the river, but with all this rain... Bah...

I know my tractor is complete, but ...

I put it to work today.  Pulled some poles out that I wasn't able to pull out myself.





Worked like a champ.

Hard to believe a year ago this was KAL...



Kal Today

What happened to walking away from the thread 'til the end of the Build-Off??

At least I didn't change the tractor. LOL!

Very nice machine you have built. Love the detail

Thank you.  

Here is a better Idea of the difference for a before and after side by side.  Basically the same tractor.

Liked the one box so much.  Added a second.

Hmm... my old coleman ice chest fits nicely back there!