Did I accidently find a "rarity" ?

[Docwheelhorse 2,660]

Hello all,

So... A friend put me onto a C120 Automatic that is super clean but hasn't run in years. It is sitting in corner of barn. I need to go pick it up (it's in Vermont) and no I didn't get it for free.

 

Anyways the real interesting part is the 12 hp motor is a TECUMSEH... Ill assume that it got this motor during the Kohler strike / delivery issue of late 70s. 

 

I'll also assume this is the last Wheel Horse to get a Tecumseh---I don't recall seeing any Tecumseh powered stuff in the 80s or later.

 

Is this thing "rare" or worth more than the average C? I'm going to see about getting it running. No... im not going to swap in a Kohler as I've been told to do by the Tecumseh haters.

 

I dont like them either but this is too clean and too original and maybe too unique to rip it apart.

 

I'll probably try and get it to run and maybe it just stays as-is a show piece / huh I've never seen one of them deals.

 

Hey @Wild Bill  being the worlds #1 Tecumseh fan whatta you have to say?

 

Thanks 

 

Tony

 

 

[squonk 41,086]

Seen a Lot of Tecky powered C's

[ebinmaine 67,460]

That would be a 1974 or 1975 Tony.

 

IMHO that mid 70s Tecumseh engine is among the best couple they made over the years.

The two issues they had are: finicky carburetor, and ignition systems that went bad just like the other brands did.

 

Both are fixable.

 

C120 is not as rare as the 1974 only C160 like you brought to me a few years ago.

 

[Docwheelhorse 2,660]

Huh... I thought this might of been a 76 or 77... well either way it's unique. 

 

Thanks for info

[ebinmaine 67,460]

3 minutes ago, Docwheelhorse said:

Huh... I thought this might of been a 76 or 77... well either way it's unique. 

 

Thanks for info

 

I know because of the engine what year that makes it but just for future reference that hood ornament was dropped sometime in very early 1976.

 

 

[Pullstart 62,843]

I’m by no means a Tecky fan and if I needed to pull one in favor of a Kohler, I would.  However, I’ve been known to use Kohler destined parts to get a Tecky running again.  

[SPINJIM 1,981]

If it came from the factory with the Tecumseh, they're usually labeled a C-120 Special (I had one), but because that one is an automatic, they didn't have room for the "Special" label.  Only year I see listed with the Tecumseh and the Automatic combination is a 1974, model tag number 1-0495.   Somewhat rare, but not necessarily desirable unless you're a Tecumseh fan.  My C-120 Special was converted over to a Kohler K12 at some point.

[ANTPER 207]

Me personally I would go grab that quickly and leave the T engine in it.

[ebinmaine 67,460]

13 minutes ago, ANTPER said:

Me personally I would go grab that quickly and leave the T engine in it.

 

Agreed. I have three of the 1974 C160 with Tecumseh engines .. as an OHV. 

Very interesting if nothing else. 

[OutdoorEnvy 1,522]

I agree with the try to keep it original sentiment. Give it a fair chance and see how it turns out.  If it turns into a big project and parts are hard to come by and expensive then a Kohler switch would make sense.  
 

Cool find though for sure!  12hp with a mower deck and snow plow is about the most desirable package setup for most people.  Looking forward to how it turns out!

[RandyLittrell 3,877]

I have one of those myself, its sitting in the shed waiting it's turn to get worked on. 

 

 

[Ed Kennell 38,162]

Here's my first WH.    A Tecky powered  '74 C-120  Automatic .   One of the best trouble free tractors I had.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[wallfish 16,995]

9 hours ago, Docwheelhorse said:

and no I didn't get it for free.

Almost free?

I'm not a fan either but would certainly leave that engine in there if it runs

[squonk 41,086]

Tecky's "Carb and ignition issues" " If it runs" "Tecumseh fan" I could have a field day in here! 

[Docwheelhorse 2,660]

1 hour ago, wallfish said:

Almost free?

I'm not a fan either but would certainly leave that engine in there if it runs

No... paid more than I should... but its one of those clean weird setups that doesn't come along often. And I don't mind the TeJUNKski if I can make it run. I haven't fought the carb on one in awhile. I'm overdue for a swear filled rant....

[c-series don 8,690]

Even though I’m not a Tecumseh fan, if it runs good I’d leave it. Especially since I’m a “ like it all original kinda guy!” Since my first techy  on my go-cart when I was a kid, to my log splitter I’ve always had issues with them. I now own only one techy and I’m definitely not changing it, especially since it only has approximately 3-4 hours on it since 1966. My Reo RR-46. We are going to need plenty of pictures of your C-120 when you get it @Docwheelhorse because you know how much we love pictures! Here’s my Techy 4hp Reo. I think I’ve also found a rarity with this because I’ve never seen another one with tiller steer. 

Edited April 12, 2023 by c-series don