L2950 project

[Badnewsbeers]

I just recently bought a L2950 and trying to decide what to do with it. When I bought it was tore down to the block and the guy tried to soak the pistons in oil. I’ve tried to turn it over by hand and can’t get it to budge. What’s the next step and what should I do with the tractor. Any and everything helps, thanks in advance.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I just recently bought a L2950 and trying to decide what to do with it. When I bought it was tore down to the block and the guy tried to soak the pistons in oil. I’ve tried to turn it over by hand and can’t get it to budge. What’s the next step and what should I do with the tractor. Any and everything helps, thanks in advance.

What do you know about this machine's history? I think you're assuming the lock up is in the cylinders, but could it be elsewhere?

There are better penetrating oils than motor oil, so you may want to start with that.

Is the head with it? What does it look like? Any cracks?

Is the oil pan on? If removed, what does the bottom end look like?

You could try cutting a hardwood block to just under the bore size and 'tapping' each piston head with a hammer and see if you can get any movement.

The block probably has dry liners.

There are lots of more knowledgeable folks than I on here, listen to them.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Do everything PoTreeBoy said:
Pull the pan!
Remove oil and replace with 50/50 Acetone and ATF
And your issue could be the transmission locked up and not the engine.
Engage clutch and block it down, then knock the cylinders with a block of wood.

 

[D2Cat]

I've used 50/50 of automatic transmission fluid and acetone. You have the head off so get it around the OD of the pistons and cylinder walls. Don't leave the tractor exposed to weather and keep spritzing the fluid to it. May take a few days then see if you can turn it over with a wrench. Maybe remove the started and use a flat bar to turn it. Be patient.

 

[Badnewsbeers]

What do you know about this machine's history? I think you're assuming the lock up is in the cylinders, but could it be elsewhere?

There are better penetrating oils than motor oil, so you may want to start with that.

Is the head with it? What does it look like? Any cracks?

Is the oil pan on? If removed, what does the bottom end look like?

You could try cutting a hardwood block to just under the bore size and 'tapping' each piston head with a hammer and see if you can get any movement.

The block probably has dry liners.

There are lots of more knowledgeable folks than I on here, listen to them.

When I bought it from the guy he said he got it to turn over once with everything put together and it made one turn and then locked up.

I noticed that he had a 6V battery in it, would that maybe be the cause? Do those tractors take a 6V battery or does it need 12?

The head did come with it and I believe it to be fine. I don’t see any cracks but I haven’t cleaned it up real good yet. Inside the head has some rust but i think it is fine.

The oil pan I would assume has been taken off because there are only 3-4 bolts holding it in. Maybe he took it apart and saw something he didn’t like?

I will try hitting down on the pistons themselves with a block of wood when I get home and see if that frees them up. I also noticed that the top of the pistons look really coned shaped, is that normal?
Thanks

 

[Badnewsbeers]

I've used 50/50 of automatic transmission fluid and acetone. You have the head off so get it around the OD of the pistons and cylinder walls. Don't leave the tractor exposed to weather and keep spritzing the fluid to it. May take a few days then see if you can turn it over with a wrench. Maybe remove the started and use a flat bar to turn it. Be patient.

I’ve currently got the tractor covered with a tarp. I don’t know what OD is. Talk to me like I’m stupid lol

 

[D2Cat]

I’ve currently got the tractor covered with a tarp. I don’t know what OD is. Talk to me like I’m stupid lol

Sorry about that, OD = outside diameter