JDcrawlers Messageboard

scampr, I haven't left yet. I'll pull out next Thursday morning.

What the heck, I'm ready for another roadtrip. I talked to Craig and finalized the deal on the 440 front section so I'll head up that way maybe next week. It's only 1750 miles and I've never been in that part of the country. Might as well go before the snow starts flying. :) Still looking for a nice...

Well, I would like to purchase that front section of a 440 in upper New Hampshire but the owner is reluctant to assist in shipping, saying a truck would have a hard time getting to it. Perhaps something within 800 miles from East Texas will show up in the near future.

Well, I drove down to South Louisiana today, just under 400 miles one way, to check out a JD 450C. It only took about 10 minutes to determine that the owner was overly optimistic on the condition of his machine and also way overpriced. Even the add pic was an early one when the paint was still good....

In order to backfire thru the carb, the combustion fire must get past the intake valve. May be sticking but most likely a piece of the valve burnt away or a piece of carbon lodged on the valve seat holding it open.

I'll check with them. The problem is that the crawler has been cut on the side frames. Only the engine ,from control pedestal froward, is left. No undercarriage, reverser, tranny, finals, or track. Getting it loaded may be a problem. See linkfor the add. https://burlington.craigslist.org/grd/5207606...

Thanks Paul, I talked to the owner and we'll see what we can do. He's in New Hampshire and I'm in East Texas.

It just gets better!! On removing the front half of the crankshaft, I find a large crack emanating from the bearing cap bolt hole. Enough said there, Laroy has a crank but not a block at this time. Anybody know of a 59-60 gas engine short block for a 440? Now, for the silver lining!!! I've just loca...

Google "John Deere 440 IC" and select the tractordata website. It'll list the serial numbers by years.

I removed the engine today and dissembled enough to see the damage. The crankshaft parted just forward of the rear crankpin. I can't see any other damage so I might be able to replace the crank without removing the head or pistons. click this link. I can't get a pic to load. http://i76.photobucket.c...

Beautiful morning here in NE Texas, rain showers moved thru, watered the grass and settled the dust. I checked out the 440 and found no oil on the ground, no gaping holes in the crankcase, and the engine makes full rotations on the starter with only a heavy clunk on each rotate. Maybe just a big end...

I was pushing dirt today, having a good time, and the tractor was running strong and smooth, Then, all of a sudden, KA BLANG, WHANG, thump. That's all she wrote. It was about 6pm so I just got off and headed to the house and supper. I imagine a rod come loose or maybe even a broke crank. Anyways, I'...