Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have an older John Deere 726 with a 7 hp Tecumseh engine. It has really been given a work out in the last month and I think the engine is getting a little tired. When I use it I usually run it for 1 - 2 hours. Lately I can only operate it a the slowest speed and have to release the drive in heavier loads to keep it from stalling. I checked the compression when it was cold and only got a reading of 35psi when I cranked it over by pulling hard a number of times. 

I also noticed that it smokes somewhat when it is heavily loaded and some oil is on the frame from the breather tube.

Any ideas on how I might get the rest of the winter out of the engine?

Would you rebuild an engine like this?

Would you put a new or used engine on an older machine?

Thanks for any feedback.

Mike

   

mikev wrote:

If the unit is structurally sound and doesn't appear to need extensive and expensive repairs (gears, bearings etc.), it's certainly worth the price of a new engine.  Take a good look at how rugged the machine is then compare that with many of today's offerings demanding in excess of $1000.00.   If it is in good shape, I'd re-engine. 

I'm pretty sure they keep their engine stock consistent all year round.   

I agree with Borat on this one. A new engine is a sound investment. I put a fairly new Honda on a Bolens machine made sometime in the early 70's, and I am very happy with it. You might be able to buy something as reliable today brand new, but you'll spend a lot more doing it than you have to.

Think about what you're going to do with a snowblower, and ask yourself how glamorous does it have to be? I've got a machine with 3 shades of rust, faded Honda colours, mismatched mittens and I am still the envy of every shoveller out there..

John

JohnnyBoyUpNorth wrote:

Very well put bud.  Got a laugh out of that one.