My first diesel
 

I just picked up this 882 from a guy who works with my neighbor. My first diesel, and first MTD built GT. He originally said $800, when I got there he said it needed more work than he originally thought, he would take $600! It’s rough, but runs good. The hour meter shows 461 hours, but I don’t think it works. Grill and side panels are missing, it needs a seat , and front tires, one goes flat within 20 minutes. 2 problems he pointed out, when you try to start it, you have to turn the key switch on and off a few times before it will crank, and when you idle it down it doesn’t shut off, he would just turn the PTO on to stall it. He said it was like that for the 8 years he had it.

I never had a diesel of any kind before, and don’t know much about them. I will probably have lots of questions when I start working on it. In my other thread, Oak mentioned upgrading the starter, glow plugs, and driveline. Anything else I should do or check?

Sounds like your stopping engine issue might be a linkage adjustment problem. In your 4th picture, look to the left of the fuel filter. The bottom cable is your throttle and the top is the stop cable. The cable on top might just need to be adjusted to pull back more on the lever.

Missing side panels makes me think he might have had some overheating issues. Maybe not, but makes me suspicious.

When you have the driveline apart, change the belt that drives the alternator and water pump.

First off, congrats! These are a marvelous machine.

At minimum, make sure your oil pressure warning lamp is operational, and optimally add a gauge in place of the hour meter, which can be moved under the hood. I just picked up my first diesel, a 1984 782D, and the light was disconnected a long time ago based upon the condition of the electrical tape used to cover the connection. Upon hooking it up, the oil light stays on until half throttle then goes out. I haven't had a chance to hook up a gauge to see if there is an actual pressure deficiency, or if it's a bad switch.

Also, be aware these are hard on the stock driveshaft. I have already sheared off a spirol pin on the engine end of the driveshaft. Many have encouraged a switch to the CV style shaft used on the later Cyclops or 2000/3000 series.

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll check out those linkages tomorrow.

Thanks. The oil pressure light comes on when the key is turned on, goes off when it’s running. Good idea to add a gauge. I already plan on checking the driveshaft, I’ll look into the CV style upgrade.

I cut grass with it for about 2 hours today. It did good, cut nice and I didn’t have any issues. The temp gauge stayed around halfway or less most of the time. It started creeping up when I was almost done, I stopped and cleaned the leaves off the radiator and it was fine after that. Before I use it much more I’m going to look it over, change all fluids and filters, check the driveshaft. Starter upgrade was mentioned. It seems to start pretty easy to me, so I will probably leave that alone for now. Glow plug upgrade was also mentioned, what is involved with that?

Also, I found this laying on top of the fuel tank. Does this go to the tractor? I assume no, but want to be sure before I get rid of it.

Nice addition to the collection! :ThumbsUp:

Nice grab, what are your plans, restore or use as is?
That thing on the tank looks like a a picnic table table cloth hold down.

I didn’t think that went to the tractor. Not sure on my plans yet. I’m going to see how it looks after I wash and wax it. I may paint it eventually, or at least touch up a few things. For now I’m going to get it mechanically sound and use it for a while before I decide. I have to find a set of side panels and a grill too.