[Bob95065]

I picked up a 1650 parts tractor from a Facebook ad that looks like it spent some not so quality time in a mud bog. The engine was seized when I got it.

I took the engine out of the tractor and put it on the bench. I drained the small amount of what looked like crude oil from the crankcase. I removed the head and pan. In the bottom of the pan I found a chunk of aluminum about the size of a quarter that ended up being from the piston skirt. I saw no other obvious signs of damage.

I used a block of 2x4 and a big hammer to persuade the piston down the bore. It got it to BDC and used the block and hammer on a con rod bolt to get it to TDC. Whatever was seized released and the engine spins freely now. The bore looks smooth with faint cross-hatching and no scores or scratches.

What could have caused the piston skirt to fail? Am I safe to start the engine as-is? I want to see if it burns oil or smokes before I buy a standard diameter piston for it. I wanted the engine for another tractor that has developed a smoking habit. I can use this one while I rebuild the other.

Thanks,

Bob