1990 Craftsman 917.254450 (RED) 2020 update

[larrybl]

So RED hits 30 this year. I purchased him 9/11/2009 for $100.00. He has done well for me, and I usually do a Winter re-fresh every couple years. I have a new main mower (Craftsman Pro) and a backup (BOH) so I am thinking of a more detailed update on RED.
I know what RED's main issues are and have the parts on-hand as I ordered them many Month ago.
Tear down has begun, and two of the issues are almost obvious. Oil leak and sloppy steering. Parts are on-hand to address these issues. Also a new ring set for the 42A707 18 HP Briggs
Stopping point for the evening. I need to pressure wash this before I go further, hard to see the bolt heads underneath.

 

[larrybl]

Just got home, chilly and damp out there. Warming the shop, but not sure I want to get greasy tonight.

 

[larrybl]

I Did some disassembly yesterday and forgot to post, pulled the wire harness. Trying to revive the battery but when it gets to 12V it falls off quickly and will only charge at 100 ma (I started with the 10A charger but wasn't getting any charge indication) so it will need replaced. I got the old manual out. Has some 2009 original restore pictures in it.

 

[larrybl]

Well I decided to get dirty but gave up after having to get up and down under this to remove the drag link. Some idiot decided to use a 15mm nut on the steering gear link connection and I ended up cussing myself. Drag link seems ok but I may replace it just to have the standard fasteners (It pi$$ed me off that bad. Steering gear box is removed.

 

[larrybl]

I might try and put adjustable ends on one of the drag links as I have several. May give me a chance to hone my welding skills.

 

[larrybl]

Got back home and decided to pressure wash some of the thicker crud off, Will still do a better cleaning, this is mainly to make tear down easier. I can see the bolts now.

 

[alleyyooper]

Looks good so far.

Al

 

[larrybl]

Looks good so far.

Al

It was a real mess in there. Lots to do but I can take my time. I have all year to do this one.

 

[larrybl]

So as many others have found the steering sector on these is a bad design. I am trying to develop a better solution for the steering setup.

 

[KennyP]

It would help if they used 'real' bushings and make it easy to lube!

 

[larrybl]

I watched several YT's on this. None used a right angle gear box (These are expensive). I did find some tips that I'll try and see if that helps. The old nylon bushing is in the same shape as the new one. I attribute this to the liberal use of chain lube before each mowing. I did replace one nylon bushing with brass, can't do that on the other side. Will still use the flashing bushing that I did a couple years ago.

 

[Toomanytoys84]

The 1:1 gear box on mcmaster is 130ish bucks. That wouldn't be bad if it cures the problem forever.

 

[larrybl]

I think it needs to be a 6:1 ratio. Calling this done for now, on to the next issue.

 

[_floater_]

Tight is good. Well done hotdog bun your sister's a nun.

 

[larrybl]

Looks like I need spendal bushings. I'll see if I have better ones in the other parts axles I have. Tip to remove the rubber grease caps. Heat with hot air gun to soften them then use a paint can opener to pry them off.

 

[UncleWillie]

Some idiot decided to use a 15mm nut on the steering gear link connection and I ended up cussing myself.

Always make it easy for the next guy, since the next guy will be you.

 

[larrybl]

I am on the fence about doing a paint refresh and re-badge, or just fixing the worn bushings, axle seals, Engine work, new seat and tires and get him back to work.

 

[_floater_]

I am on the fence about doing a paint refresh and re-badge, or just fixing the worn bushings, axle seals, Engine work, new seat and tires and get him back to work.

Make it pretty. You know you wanna.

 

[larrybl]

Pulled RED’s rear end in hope to get the stuck rim removed. Broke the tire down and removed. Long shot using the shop press, 2” too narrow. I am using the press cross member and my puller set. I had to enlarge two of the wheel weight holes to get the large bolts through. Plenty of PB and I have hit it with the impact gun till the bolt quit moving. I guess I need to try heat next, but I need to clean up a lot of grease and crud before I get the torches out.

 

[_floater_]

I hope you can get it off because however you do it that's what I'm going to try. I have one I just cannot get off.
Give 'er.