That is funny, I was reading a motor rebuild manual from the early 80's and you almost quoted them word for word. The quote was regarding a scared head. Too funny!

 

You speak the truth. One of my Case tractors is 30 years old. I still use it every day to till, mow, sweep, leaf vac, chip limbs, push dirt, blow snow, clear slush, haul misc items, etc. Whatever needs doing that day. You can pick up a good running example for less than $1000 off ebay. And parts are available OEM from the manufacturer still. Don't know if the ebay link will work but here it is.

http://home.search.ebay.com/case-ing...dbarQQsbrsrtZd


Plus, the old case/ingersolls can really haul trash.

 

and i get harassed for the mower on the porch....no justice no peace.

 

Carl, I refrained this time. It was not easy, but I did!

 

How long is the crack?

I would tear the engine down and weld the crack up if it was mine. What have you got to lose?

 

What model Kohler engine is it???? I know that two years ago Kohler came out with the 'Courage' engine and they had issues with them burning oil, leaking and such. Have you talked with Sears to see if there is anything that they can do??? It would seem that even though your warranty ran oout in April, it would seem that they would be able to 'work' with you in getting this fixed.


BTW, my dad has a '72 Wheel Horse with a 10 horse Kohler Command engine on it and it runs like a top and I have a '05 Cub with a 21 horse twin cylinder Kohler Command and that engine is very powerful and smooth running.

 

try the freecycle groups on yahoo for your area, you might be surprised at what you find.

 

I am disessembling all the stuff around the engine tonight to get a good look at the crack. I was able to take side plate off (the engine is covered from all side with stupid metal plates) and see that it is about an inch long crack (at least that's what seem to me). I am just hoping that everything inside is intact. When I saw the oil driping down the side, the engine was still running. So, I can assume that nothing is loose inside.
I fooled around with Sears cussing and carrying on with them. They finally agreed to send a tech out to look at it and said they will waive labor but charge for parts. But they said that I will have to pay tech up front and they will reimburse me back. I decided that was fair enough, but also decided that I did not want to fool with all the reimbursement crap. I prolly won't be able to pay for the parts now anyways. So, it is either the JB weld way or welding. I am thinking more of JB weld because I don't have time to tear down the engine.
Regarding engine, I don't know what Kohler it is - I bought the mower in 2005, but the mower could have been built in 2003 or 2004. It was a refurbished mower sold to me as new.....learnt my lesson.....

 

Post up the model number(s) of the equipment and we might be able to find some information for you.

Actually, post the information from the manufacturer's tag.
It should have model #; serial #; and the manufacturer's date code.

I know how it's gonna be a hemmoroid to pay out the cash to have the engine fixed and wait for Sears to reimburse you, but, this would be a 'permanent' repair instead of a 'stop-gap' solution.

Another thought. . . IF the tractor was sold to you as 'NEW' and you know that it is a 'Re-Furb', I wouldn't accept anything less than they make repairs free of charge, period.

 

I agree that having Sears repair it will be a permanent fix. But I doubt I can come up with even the money for parts now. The parts from the Sears catalog don't sound cheap especially for a cracked engine block issue. That's why I have to rely on a quick fix to get by this season.
Regarding the 'new' versus 're-furb', I may have stated that wrong. Sears did tell me it is a re-furb unit but said it is as good as new and that's why they are giving me the regular two year warranty along with about $700 - $800 off.
I will post back with the model number, serial number, etc.

 

Get in touch with a local fab shop. I pretty sure you can have the crack TIG welded without having to tear down the engine. The cost should be minimal.

 

I am in the process of putting my F100 together. So, finally got a day to take a good look at the Mower. Tore down all the coverings and my worst fear came true......
It is NOT a crack. A portion of the crankcase is busted out........
I am pretty sure something inside either came loose or rod's gone. So, I don't think either JB weld or welding is gonna work.
I think I will have to leave this for winter project. I went to Lowe's and had to fork over couple grand again to get a Husqvarna. I hate to borrow money, but I did not have a choice....