1990 Craftsman 917.254450 (RED) 2020 update

[larrybl]

I saw this little guy just standing in the yard, touched his head and he let out a squawk and ran under a bush. Must have fell out of a nest, but I couldn’t find it. Oh Well, hope he isn’t cat food for the neighbor’s cat.

Update on RED, I added 1 – ½ funnel of “00” grease to the trans-axle. Next, I started looking for the best drive belt I had. The one that came off was installed Nov 2015 and is oil soaked, I found the one that this replaced, but it was frayed and possibly stretched. A trip to T/S solved three issues, A new belt, a MOM Day’s gift, and lunch for us.

I am thinking of wrapping twine tightly around the inner axles to act as a seal to keep the grease from leaking out (as much).

 

[larrybl]

Came to a dead stop. I can't find the half moon key for the pulley. I am positive I placed it on top of the pulley when I removed it.

 

[larrybl]

After looking everywhere in the shop, under the benches, moving things around, going through all the part boxes, and dragging a magnet bar around the area where I pressure washed it "nothing". I went on Mcmaster Carr and found the #9 Woodruff Key but have to buy 100 for $14.03 + shipping. All this took several hours of wasted time, then I remembered I had another pearless in the parts shed. I have no clue what this came out of, and I have had it for over 20 years. It put up a fight giving up the key, but I finally got it out with the bearing puller and air chisel. Now I am too wore out to do any more today.
Full work week next week so it will be back to slow going on this.

 

[larrybl]

Nothing on TV so I wrapped the axles and zip ties the string. After much fiddling I got the belt guides installed and the pulley and new belt. Next up is installing the brake assembly (requires being on the floor) and taking the PTO apart for cleaning, it is full of oil crud.

Now I am finished for the night.

 

[SimplyRad]

Ace Hardware and TSC both have Woodruff Keys. I need to get one for the BGB rebuild that I am doing.

 

[larrybl]

Just figured out that I have to un-bolt the engine and lift it back up to install the muffler Not tonight).

 

[olcowhand]

Harbor Freight has the woodruff keys in an assortment box.

 

[larrybl]

Don't need one now, but good info. Thanks!

 

[larrybl]

Cleaned the crud out of the PTO clutch, Installed the Muffler and Drive belt. Working on the clutch adjustment now. Going to throw some burgers on the grill shortly.

 

[larrybl]

Burgers done and ate, Nascar is over, Yard mowed. I need a nap now.

 

[larrybl]

After adjusting the PTO to .012 I could barely turn it. Wasn't binding, and the bearings spin free, felt like there was still thick sludge in it. I double checked with a spare I have, it turns free. I pulled it back apart and cleaned under the housing. Spins better now.

 

[larrybl]

Getting close to firing the engine after the ring and gasket replacement. Oil added (no leaks yet) gas tank installed, battery installed and being charged. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[UncleWillie]

When you get red done I can send you about 40 more to work on.

 

[larrybl]

Made some hard fought progress on RED today.

 

[larrybl]

New seat, and I ordered two rear tires, I'll swap the old ones on to RED and put the new ones on the Craftsman Pro.

 

[olcowhand]

So is that a tiny piece of gravel that was in the fuel line?

 

[UncleWillie]

So is that a tiny piece of gravel that was in the fuel line?

On the video he said it was a dirt daubers nest. They will try to nest in everything.

 

[larrybl]

It was in the pulse pump line, guess some worked it way into the fuel pump too. Replacing the line and cleaning the pump and carb top end fixed it.

 

[larrybl]

I get to wrestle alligators tomorrow.

 

[larrybl]

So technically I will be;

1. Finding a leak and plugging one of the used tires on the Craftsman Pro.
2. Breaking down the Craftsman Pro tires.
3. Mounting the new tires on the Craftsman Pro.
4. Mounting the fixed used tires on to RED's rims.

I have heard somewhere that placing wood spacers to spread the new tires will help with seating the beads as the rubber forms a wider memory. I'll let you know how this works.