Just picked up a L225 for $400

[FullHouseRanch]

I just bought a L225 for $400.00. It is complete and it runs without any funny sounds. I have a few questions:

First let me qualify myself. I have had formal schooling on automotive technology (aka mechanic trade school) however it was geared toward gasoline engines. I have never owned a tractor in the past and had never worked on diesel motors. I have learned a lot from this site, but I'm still ignorant to diesels.

With that out of the way, my engine on the L225 has not been cared for. When I bought it I changed the oil, which appeared to be in okay condition. I changed the fuel filter, which looked like it contained swamp water with pond scum. Drained the tank, which appeared to not have water in it, and bled the system (funny how it won't run without bleeding the fuel filter).

Now to the nitty gritty, the engine appears to be missing, kind of similar to a carburetor tuning issue. There is also whitish bluish smoke that comes out when the tractor is started and when I change the RPM's. the smoke really doesn't bother me, but I was told by the previous owner that he thought it had a blown head gasket.

There is no water or diesel in the oil, and there are no bubbles in the coolant, which leads me to believe that there is no blown head gasket. Also the motor doesn't run badly, it just seems a little out of tune. Could this be an injector issue? If so what is the best course of action?

Sea foam, self cleaning of injectors (I have an ultrasonic cleaner but no pop tester), new injectors, or where to get them professionally serviced?

Thanks in advance,
Eric

 

[kc8fbl]

Congrats on your L225!

I would try running some injector cleaner through it. Add some seafoam to the tank. I don't think I would use the third of a can they recommend since your tank isn't that big. I think Lucas brand has a injector cleaner that you can use for diesels. I think this would be the cheapest option to start with.

 

[gpreuss]

Pictures!! We all want to see what $400 can buy!! Sounds like a GREAT DEAL.

 

[FullHouseRanch]

Below (if I did this correctly) are pictures of the tractor. I will probably be starting another thread for my restore project. I've also scoured the Internet and found some interesting things in reference to the part numbers of parts. Alot of The part numbers from Messicks have been superseded with other numbers. There is a list of those numbers floating around. I will post them next time I'm in front of my computer.

I almost forgot, it also came with a rusted out bush hog. The frame and gearbox is good so I'll be welding on a new skin.

 

[hodge]

It's rough, but it's still on 4 tires, it runs, and I assume that it moves? How is the transmission, high and low range, pto, and 3 point? If all of that works, the rest is cosmetic, and you got a great deal. Along with servicing the engine, you should go ahead and look at the gear and hydraulic oils. It appears that the tractor was worked and just maintained.
I agree on the injector cleaner- that is the simplest and cheapest next step, after replacing the fuel filter. With that algae and other goop in there, it sounds like the tractor sat. That junk can also form in the injection pump and lines, so some good cleaner, and running it (unless you feel that something isn't right and getting damaged) will help to clean things out.

 

[lreops]

I think it needs a bigger exhaust stack!!




Ron

 

[Russell King]

Not to be the "safety ranger" but, please get the PTO drive shaft off of the PTO output shaft before someone accidently engages the PTO drive!

I imagine you already have removed it but it is a killing machine the way it is shown in the pictures.

I agree - it may be that the exhaust needs to be larger!

 

[gpreuss]

Probably the best $400 tractor on the block!!

 

[Eric McCarthy]

UUUUGGGHHH why is it I can never find deals like that! Good job on the nice score, with a little tlc she can be a classic beauty again. And please get rid of the steering wheel from the golf cart!!