Tiny tractor build.

I have what I've been told is a 1985 Craftsman. It is for sure a GT18. The decked was rusted out so that's gone and the engine is torn down. It was burning so much oil I had to add to it every 30 minutes or so. And Lucas wasn't slowing it down one bit. Oddly enough, it fired right up and ran great, with plenty of power. When tearing the engine down, I found that the crank timing gear key/pin was sheared off. Still there, and the timing gear did not have full travel, but significant side to side movement. How could it have run that well if the key was sheared? Obviously the valve timing would be way off. Now, I don't see how this could have caused this, but I did drop the thing. As I was picking it up off the mower, I tripped over a concrete block and fell flat on the ground. I was holding the motor about waist level, and it landed on my knee. Limped for a couple of weeks, and my knee was a cool mix of purple and green, but motor seemed fine. Anyway, here's the beast

Nice,

If you still have the model tag under the seat still, post it here.  Should be a 917.xxxxxx number.  I'll see about the year and maybe a link to the manual if still out there.

Those tractors make excellent offroaders! You should consider entering it into the Build Off!

Brianator wrote:

Those tractors make excellent offroaders! You should consider entering it into the Build Off!

I doubt it would fare well against the monsters the rest of yall have! I'm really just building the engine for now. I'm considering atv tires for better traction, but I don't know what to get. I'm new to this little stuff. I'm used to working on my 9000lb truck. I know nothing about tire sizes or mounting them, which is bad considering I sell parts for a living(not tires tho).

I can tell you that is it an 85 model, not sure when in 85.  Are there #'s after the xxx910 of the model and before the 25?  Looks like there may be 13?  It was the 1533rd one made that year.

Manual (I'd Download it while still available)
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/manual/3bvd4y39kj-000247/craftsman-917255910-front-engine-lawn-tractor-parts

Parts Blow-ups
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/model/3bvd4y39kj-000247/craftsman-917255910-front-engine-lawn-tractor-parts


Can't seem to find the plant code anymore.  Yours was made in the same plant as mine.

@Ifitaintbroke Snuf makes very affordable and quality tires, And they have free shipping  here's a link to their website https://www.sunf.com/?utm_campaign=Search-Branded&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA29auBhBxEiwAnKcSqgLW8-dUpj-dYJgwZ0i4mNswUfsHcSdwVDVgfAibU3_1VyCmk_IOuhoCd8YQAvD_BwE

MightyRaze wrote:

I can tell you that is it an 85 model, not sure when in 85.  Are there #'s after the xxx910 of the model and before the 25?  Looks like there may be 13?  It was the 1533rd one made that year.

I don't think so. I think that's just a scratch.

Rebuild kit should be in today!

@Ifitaintbroke maybe?

Not a bad price. Those look good. Thanks!

Steering on this thing is shot. I think i want to try the volkswagen gearbox idea. Also toying with the idea of relocating the shifter. Id like to put it on the right side fender. Linkage will be interesting to say the least.

@Creepycrawler is thinking about relocating the H pattern shifter on his work horse to the dash with a cable shifter setup. I’m actually thinking about a dash cable shifter to Mutt for my peerless 700 winch gearbox so I don’t have to get off the tractor to shift it. Would love to see you build something like that!

Well, I just scored 2 engines for 50 bucks. A 18.5hp single cylinder intek, and a 5.5hp ohc Honda. Honda turns over good and has good compression. Not sure on the briggs, as it is electric start (with no starter).

How'd you get those motors?

muddybasilisk wrote:

How'd you get those motors?

Guy I know had them. Said 50 for both, and he brought them up to my work. I was also offered a craftsman riding mower with no deck for 25. Might get it for parts. Has a single Briggs.

That 18.5hp briggs looks like a beast! I've never seen a single cylinder that big. If I wasn't already building the oppy, I'd probably try putting it in the craftsman.

The big singles are neat, I'm pretty sure from 13-19hp they're all 31 cubes with different carbs but I could be wrong. What's the model number of that one?

Brianator wrote:

The big singles are neat, I'm pretty sure from 13-19hp they're all 31 cubes with different carbs but I could be wrong. What's the model number of that one?

This one is a 31p777. I'd definitely put it in the craftsman, but it looks like a bit of work. Plus, the oppy is at the machine shop and I already have the rebuild kit. I also don't know how good it is. Turn over good and has compression, but I'll need a starter and carb before i can fine anything else out. It is a vertical shaft, which seems to be about all I can find.

There it is a 31 cube, too bad you didn't get the carb with it as that's what makes the difference. If my memory serves me well the biggest was a Walbro 54 but they're not the easiest to get, shouldn't be a big deal anyhow even my 11 and 12hp Briggs Singles have power to spare

Brianator wrote:

There it is a 31 cube, too bad you didn't get the carb with it as that's what makes the difference. If my memory serves me well the biggest was a Walbro 54 but they're not the easiest to get, shouldn't be a big deal anyhow even my 11 and 12hp Briggs Singles have power to spare

Well, I did get the carb, but it needs to be rebuilt badly. I was going to replace it but the kit was like $7 with free shipping so I'll give it a shot. I just got the oppy carb done last night.

Well that didn't go as planned. Had to cancel that and order the right one. Which was $28.

Well it looks like I'm going to need a new steering gear. Missing a tooth and it likes to get stuck.