782 Knocking after first time mowing.

FarmFresh · #1 09-20-2011, 09:49 PM

Some may have seen my post about my new to me 782. Well after working on my 1450 loader project, I decided to take a break from that and mow for the first time with the 782. I had just got the 44" deck repaired and fitted to it that morning, and had never used the tractor for more than a few minutes at a time, so I was excited to work her a little bit. I mowed the yard for about 45 min. and when I was done I just tooled around to let it cool down on the way back to the shed, and when I idled it down I heard a "knock knock knock" so I quick shut it down checked the oil. It was fine, I let it cool down, checked timing(I knew it was done for but was trying to be optimistic) and fired it back up, still knocking. The previous owner said it was a series II kt17 and I believed him. He said he put new rods, pistons, and bored it. He told me he worked at a john deere dealer when these were new, so I believed he new what he was doing. That is why I had buying things that were just rebuilt. None of it matters because after it started knocking I checked the numbers on the cases and it is a series 1 P.O.S. anyway. I feel I was had. I don't know why it started knocking, maybe it has the wrong rods, bad machine work? I have no idea. So I am ticked and it ruined the rest of my sunday. Now I have to find a engine for it and install it before the plowday in October. And I had already disassembled the 1450 so I am without a mower.

Sorry this is long, but I had to vent about it.

I found out today I may have a line on a Honda GX620 from a guy at work, I don't know what it would take to install it and adapt the PTO but the price is right.

Any ideas or insights into my problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Vince_o · #2 09-20-2011, 10:10 PM

Man I hate to hear this!!!!!!!!! Ol Ugly Jim is in the same boat as you with the same thing, PO stuff.

From what I remember on the 982 the honda is a direct replacment. So Im guessing it would be the same for your 782.

Shouldnt a series 2 have an oil filter?

FarmFresh · #3 09-20-2011, 10:15 PM

I guess the early Kt17 series II didn't have a filter provision, the differences were internal from what I understood. I guess you can't always trust previous owners, even if they are self proclaimed experts.

Matt G. · #4 09-20-2011, 10:18 PM

You can't truly rebuild a series I, as most of the parts are NLA. If Series II/Magnum rods were used without having the oil hole drilled in the caps, it'll seize or throw a rod. I got a tractor real cheap because the idiot that 'rebuilt' the series I was too dumb to notice that difference.

FarmFresh · #5 09-20-2011, 10:27 PM

Either way it is a boat anchor now. Luckily the price I bought it for was adjusted because I was assuming the engine was bad since he couldn't get it to run right. It went from a great deal to just retail for a blown up 782. I guess I can just try to salvage the tins and carb and anything else that can be reused or sold. Ohwell it will be better with a new engine anyway.

scleve · #6 09-20-2011, 11:33 PM

Good luck with the retro.

cubs-n-bxrs · #7 09-20-2011, 11:57 PM

I would shop around for a 2185 or equivalent cub that has the 18hp command engine in it. I just re powered my 682 with one and could not be happier. The thing runs like a bear. I had to retrofit the wiring harness from the 2185 which took a little longer but was well worth it. A lot of times you can pick them up off of Craigslist for a song. Just some thing to think about.

Vince_o · #8 09-21-2011, 06:02 AM

Kelly is right, look for a command and drop in there.

ol'George · #9 09-21-2011, 09:21 AM

Question,
You compared the "numbers" on the cases---- or do you mean the sheet metal shrouding?
the kt1 and kt2's interchange sheet metal.
It is possible it is a series II in series 1's "clothing" you gotta look close as not all series II's have a filter provision.
if it is a II it is possibly worth fixing, if a series I like Matt says, not worth the effort.
just something to think about

Leadslingingdaddy · #10 09-21-2011, 10:31 AM

I just sold two Magnums this month...Must be a run on these things....Good luck and just search CL....

I did the same thing for my JD318 as stated above and find a good Command engine and repower it.... I got the engine for 90 bucks!!!! since the PO couldnt figure out that the carb solenoid was the reason it was not getting fuel and I sold the deck and frame....

Deals are out there dont get discouraged...