Rebuild or part out, Part 2

[Dad"s 440]

Hey all,

I finally got my dad's 440 out of his pasture, and home. Been a long process. The left steering brake still works, that was the only one that worked 15 years ago when this thing got parked.

I spent about 4 hours pressure washing everything I could get to, then started working on evaluating the engine. It had water in it for quite a while, and would not rotate. I got the head off, and the rear cylinder has been frozen and broke. It's got a hole 1" X2" in the cylinder wall. I'll get some engine pics soon,

Pics here, http://s1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff498/smorto12/

Now I need to determine how much I'm willing to put into this machine. Here's my questions:

1: Can these blocks be successfully sleeved, or are they readily available?

2: How much rust damage is too much for the undercarriage? I will try to get some pics up soon, but there appears to be severe metal loss on the entire track system.

Thanks in advance for any assistance, it's just been a depressing day today.

[440 iron popper]

I'm in rebuilduig process for mine... Engine can't be sleeved.
You have to rebore both holes if needed. First I did was take all measurments to determine if I was standard everywhere. Maybe the honing brush can do the job in your case. For me, Wear of cylinder walls made me go for a rebore .045. All bearings will be standard (no wear). So:
new oversize pistons and rings piston pin bushings
new valves, guides, spings
All new bearings crank, cam, rod
You Need a engine gasket set
It's about 1000$ worth of parts with shipping
Rebore in the engine shop is 35$/hole. Also I'll have the valve guides pressed there and seats regrind as well.

That is a summary list for the basic engine components.

You'll need to work the carburetor, maybe change wiring while there. Some hoses, new bolts. thermostat, belts etc etc etc.
You'll probably need to have a look at the transmission while the machine is splitted. New seals and bearings while there.

You'll reach the final drives. May need new bearings and seals as well.
15 years sat sounds to me that you'll need new fibers in steering clutches minimum.

I think you have a good winter project there! I don't want to discourage you but when you know what's ahead it helps to make a decision. It's all small amount $$$ parts. But A LOT of them. Like the Johnny Cash song... One piece at the time!

[Lavoy]

Blocks can be dry sleeved, I have done half a dozen or so. But, unless it is cracked, or too far gone, rebore is the better option as stated above.
Lavoy

[whiteclipse16]

I agree with popper.
I'm in the same position, I have some pics in the show and tell section.
$1000+ for the engine
$1000 for new fibers, steels, T/O bearing in the finals.
I put all new bearings in the tranny, and both finals and have probably close to $500+ after getting the JD gaskets and such.
Those are the main expenses unless your missing parts and the undercarriage is shot, but it sounds like your in decent shape there.
I'm still trying to round up stuff, its a never ending battle.

[Dad"s 440]

I finally had time to upload a few more pics of my 440 engine. Looks like it's sleeve time.

http://s1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff498/smorto12/

The air cleaner inlet was the culprit. It filled the entire air filter, carb and intake to the top. The hood rubbed a hole in it, and over the years, every time it rained, a little more water would enter.

[CELSESSER]

I question wheather those holes are sleavable.
It looks to me like you would be better off looking for a complete running engine. there was one for sale in my are a couple of years ago in good shape for $1200 so right in the ballpark of all the parts and machineing plus the cost of a good core block.

Just my .02

Chuck

[Gil]

I've got to be honest with you; I would look to buy another crawler, not just an engine. If you can find a crawler with a running engine and a decent under carriage you will save money. You may still be able to use enough of the parts off of your dad's crawler to consider that you are rebuilding it for nostalgia's sake.

Between the two crawlers you will have a much better chance to get a good transmission, final drive housings; even smaller stuff like a starter, generator, etc. You can still keep the canopy, blade, and winch to make it looks just like it did when your dad ran it. Gil

[jtrichard]

i agree with GIL take the radiator cap off and roll another tractor under it and put the cap back on..... it lookslike your grand son will still be working on that one and your great grandson will be paying for it ..... dont get me wrong im all for saving the old ones but there is a limit

[whiteclipse16]

I'd have to agree with Gil and jt also.
There has been a lot of welding and repair on those finals and other places. I would not want to redo a crawler with finals welded back together.
I understand wanting to redo it since it was in the family. I'm in the same position and have had to buy more parts than I had planned but I"m too far in to back out now.
Good Luck

[CELSESSER]

While I agree that this may be a parts crawler, to think that you are not going to see welds and missing bolts and worn missmatched parts on almost any crawler more than 60 years old is a bit unrealistic.
Mine is a loose assembilage of mixed parts, welded finals, 0% pins and bushes,grousers worn completely off, gas engine swap from diesel, hydraulic leaks etc. But it starts every time and everything works correctly. Never have lost a track and it still pushes dirt and snow.
It aint pretty but it is fun. You just have to have your eyes open to the potential cost of repair parts might be on the whole thing before you spend the first $. Costs you nothing but time to pull it apart to see what else you have. then you can decide if you want to continue or if you have already started disassembly for parting out.
Whatever happens have fun doing it.

Chuck

[Dad"s 440]

I've decided to approach this with a realistic attitude. I will determine if I can find an engine for a reasonable price, or get this one sleeved without too much cost, I will go that route. I won't worry about the rest of the crawler until it breaks.

I've decided to name my crawler Zombie. It will be the walking dead, but still fun to push dirt and work on our motocross track.