kpinnc 11,877 #1 Posted January 31, 2008 I found what may be my newest addition today. It's a L157 Lawn Ranger. The engine has been replaced (or at least is a different color), and I have no idea if it's correct for it or not. I didn't get the numbers on it, but it's got me wondering now... I do know it's a Techumseh, and has electric start. The gas line passes through the flywheel shroud, and it has the pull start on the cover as well. What engine is this tractor supposed to have on it? I'm gonna get it regardless, because it's in good shape, and I don't have a Ranger. I'm just wondering what I should be looking for. On a side note- The person I talked to has a B-80 8 speed as well, and he offered me a pretty good selling price for both machines. Both tractors have been stored in a barn for years. Both have mower decks, and both are running. Not sure yet whether to get one or both. Whichever way I go with it, I'll have pics Friday... Kevin- trying to make up my mind, or at least justify the money spent! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-Series14 15 #2 Posted January 31, 2008 Techumseh, H60-75117F, 6hp...According to my source. :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #3 Posted January 31, 2008 I have a 1968 Lawn Ranger (1-2631) with a Tecumseh H60-75117H. It is almost identical to what your's calls for. It's set up the same way with the electric and recoil start, plus the gas line goes through the housing also. Neat little tractors. I've owned mine since 1972. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BPjunk 184 #4 Posted January 31, 2008 Kevin, Since the Tecumseh H-60 is a aluminum block engine it was not heavy duty, hence they wore out quicker then the cast iron counter parts. Meaning that if the block is a different color (white or black) it may have had the short block replaced. The only sure way to tell an original Tecumseh block on a Wheel Horse is by looking underneth the mounting plate, a original block will have two dowel pins alining the block to the mounting plate and a replacement shortblock will not have these dowel pins. Bill in Richmond, Va. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,877 #5 Posted January 31, 2008 Mike, Buzz, thanks for the numbers and info. Now I know what to look for! Bill, The engine on the tractor is silver, but the whole machine appears to have at some time been painted with a rattle can. I don't know if the color scheme was intentional or not. I didn't even know that those engines (from that period) were aluminum. Good info on the dowel pins. Does this mean the cast iron Techumseh from my Suburban (551) could be original? It has at least 1 pin that I know of. Thanks to all of you for the info. Looks like I have a bit to learn about the Ranger line... Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BPjunk 184 #6 Posted January 31, 2008 Bill, The engine on the tractor is silver, but the whole machine appears to have at some time been painted with a rattle can. I don't know if the color scheme was intentional or not. I didn't even know that those engines (from that period) were aluminum. Good info on the dowel pins. Does this mean the cast iron Techumseh from my Suburban (551) could be original? It has at least 1 pin that I know of. Thanks to all of you for the info. Looks like I have a bit to learn about the Ranger line... Kevin Kevin, Silver is another color of a replacment short block, also look to see if there is a small metal tag on the output side of the engine (it is normaly up on one of the top bolts). This tag will also indicate a replacment shortblock. A Lauson/Tecumseh H55D-2113 will bolt directly to the frame on a 551 as it does not use a mounting plate. Bill in Richmond, Va. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,496 #7 Posted January 31, 2008 Just as was mentioned here. those old Tecumseh's had short lives. JD made it's Lawn Ranger equivalent in the late 60's and early 70's using the Tecumseh engines. The JD 60 and later the JD 70. The weakest link in them both was the Tecumseh engine and most were replaced sometime in their life. It's rare to see one today with the original engine. :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,877 #8 Posted January 31, 2008 A Lauson/Tecumseh H55D-2113 will bolt directly to the frame on a 551 as it does not use a mounting plate. Thanks for the info Bill! Makes me wonder what the heck is in the box that came with the 551. It's a Techumseh, and it's cast iron, but has a dowel pin in the bottom. Any ideas? Also, no tags on the side of the Lawn Ranger engine. Should the pin on the bottom protrude far enough under the plate to see while still on the tractor? So far, I can't tell if it has one or not. Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,131 #9 Posted February 1, 2008 Kevin, If that engine is "Wheel Horse red", it might be a cast iron HH-60 (horizontal / heavy) from a 606, 656, 607, 657, or a 1968 Commando 6. I believe older Troy-Bilt tillers used quite a few of them too. :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,877 #10 Posted February 2, 2008 This tag will also indicate a replacment shortblock. Bill, I had the hood off today, and I found the metal tag you're talking about. It's had a short block put on it, but it must not be very old. That engine has really got good compression. Runs quite smooth for a Techumseh- not that I have much to offer that opinion with... For some reason today, it would only run for a second or two and sputter out. I'm guessing it's just the gunk in the carb. It's pretty nasty! Terry, the other engine is WH red. Just one more tractor I have with the wrong engine! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pond195520032003 27 #11 Posted February 2, 2008 Terry, did you say that the weakest link for a tecumseh engine is a JD :( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #12 Posted February 2, 2008 [ For some reason today, it would only run for a second or two and sputter out. I'm guessing it's just the gunk in the carb. It's pretty nasty! If your carb is really gunked up it may never run and idle properly. I had that problem with mine and ended up buying a new one. Ed Mayhew posted this a while back: "# 631828 is about as perfect as a replacement carburetor can be. I've installed two so far in different tractors (655 and L-157) and both worked out just super. This has the correct WH style choke and throttle shafts and straight fuel inlet. A bonus is the spring loaded washer and felt seal around the choke and throttle shafts. The torx idle speed screw is sort of a pain but your old one can fix that. It comes with a mounting gasket but you may want the second gasket for the little intake adapter. I've also found it handy to have some of the factory carb attaching hardware on hand and of course a new governor spring. " According to RCPW they are still available for around $83.00 :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,877 #13 Posted February 2, 2008 Thanks Buzz. I'm gonna take it apart and soak it for a while. It was really nasty- Got me wondering how it ever ran to begin with... Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
