Commando 8 gets a cleaning

[Ed Kennell 38,668]

The 520H snow blower project is finished waiting for snow and the MTD 700 is cleaned and oiled and actually mowed the lawn Sat.

 

So, today was the Commando's turn.

 

                                                                 This I what I started with.  It actually runs and drives.

                                                                          

                                                                  After about 2 hours, I had this.

                                                                          

                                                                  An hour later

                                                                          

                                                                  Some of the crud I found

                                                                          

 

                                                                          

 

                                                                          

 

Wonder how long it's been since this horse saw some maintenance. Hard to believe it could actually run in this condition.

                                                                          

                                                                          

[AMC RULES 37,134]

Poor thing.   

Good to see you showing it some  love Ed.  

[speedyleedy 205]

Looking forward to seeing it when its done !

[Molon_Labe 731]

Looks good to me! Figure the years into the equation, it's ahead of the curve.

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

Cant wait to see the progress Ed. Amazing what a power wash and degreaser will do. Keep us updated.

[Racinbob 11,230]

I liked your first post Ed then wondered why but I can't unlike something. That is some terrible abuse. I'm happy to see that it's in your hands and you'll take care of that gem. So...I think my like was justified

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497]

All that dirt was preserving it.

Glenn

[AMC RULES 37,134]

 I believe that's true.  

[slammer302 2,155]

Looks like a Walbro carburetor that's a little new for a commando 8

[Ed Kennell 38,668]

What carb should it have Slammer.     The engine numbers 30108D look correct for a 69 commando.  I guess the carb could have been changed, but it looks like  it has  45 year old dirt on it.

[slammer302 2,155]

I believe it should have a carter carb with adjustable high speed needle nothing the matter with the walbro carbs they work fine I'm using a couple and if its a commando 8 it is 68 made only one year I believe

[Ed Kennell 38,668]

What size Carter would fit on the K181?   I have a few #26s on the shelf.    I checked the M/N ...mine is 1-4831 which is a 1968. 

  The Wheel Horse by years chart does show a 1969 Commando 8  M/N 1-4832 .

[slammer302 2,155]

It would be a #22

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,096]

What size Carter would fit on the K181?   I have a few #26s on the shelf.    I checked the M/N ...mine is 1-4831 which is a 1968. 

  The Wheel Horse by years chart does show a 1969 Commando 8  M/N 1-4832 .

The 1969 Commando 8 models 1-4832 have been found in Europe with 11xxxx serial numbers indicating they were made in Belgium.

 

Garry

[slammer302 2,155]

I checked the two I have both were 1-4832 and they both have carter carbs

I Meant 1-4831

[Ed Kennell 38,668]

  for the info Slammer.

[Geno 1,929]

You move pretty fast there Ed. 

[Ed Kennell 38,668]

Actually it came apart petty easy.  The only problem I had was the  4- 1/4" Philips head screws in the flywheel screen. I had to grind the heads off to get it apart.  I did give all the bolts a shot of PB every time I walked by for the past few weeks. 

The only thing left are removing those dreaded hubs and the hitch pin.   That could require some blood and sweat.

[Geno 1,929]

Hitch pins can be easy if you have a little time to wait.  If you don't mind a few holes in the rearend casing you can drill a couple of 1/8" holes in the center of the pin on each side of the casing untill you hit the pin, then soak it a few times a day for a few days. 

[Trouty56 567]

Actually it came apart petty easy.  The only problem I had was the  4- 1/4" Philips head screws in the flywheel screen. I had to grind the heads off to get it apart.  I did give all the bolts a shot of PB every time I walked by for the past few weeks. 

The only thing left are removing those dreaded hubs and the hitch pin.   That could require some blood and sweat.

I did it this way...might work for you too......

 

[Ed Kennell 38,668]

Thanks Geno, I'll drill the lube holes today. That's also a good idea for preventing pins from freezing up. After I get the pin out, I'll drill and tap it for a grease zerk.

 

If it won't budge after the soak, I will go to the saw and drill step.   I like the pull idea Bob.  I was able to free the hitch from the pin yesterday with PB and a 20" bar in the slot hitch, so it won't be a problem getting the two pin pieces out of the slot hitch.

[Pullstart 63,096]

Hard to believe it could actually run in this condition.

 

 

Helps me understand why it's ok to completely paint every part of a tractor regardless of moving or not.  That's some hardy buildup!

[ericj 1,578]

Ed, i made my own hub puller out of an old hub and 3/4 threaded rod. so far so good, i pulled 3 hubs with out any problems. i have extra rod left over if you or anybody is interested pm me. good luck

 

 

 

 

eric j 

[Ed Kennell 38,668]

Got the holes drilled Geno ....now I'll let-er soak for a few days.  If it won't move till Monday, we'll goto Bob's saw and drill plan.

 

 

Wow, there was a Kohler under all that crud..and it is a Walbro carb Slammer.

 

 

Thanks Eric, but I have a puller I made from a piece of plate.

[Geno 1,929]

Looking good!  What's next?