1980? Yardman 16 HP, 18 speed tractor

[RoninCT]

I have a Yardman tractor (I think 1980 - it is model 14918-9) with many accessories (mower deck, plow, wheel weights, chains, leaf vacuum, cart) that started acting strange. After about 20 minutes, the tractor would idle rough and then shut down. It would start back up but idle very rough and shut down again in a minute or so. I sent it to a shop and they said compression is very low and it would not be worth fixing. I am wondering whether any of the crankcase additives I see advertised to improve compression would help. Does anyone have any experience using these additives and are they good for a small (16hp) Kohler engine?

 

[Fish]

Don't waste any money on the additives!!!!

These guys that told you it isn't worth fixing, they still want to buy it from you cheap, eh?

Take the tractor to someone else, it may just need points or valve job, or just adjustment. Depending on it's condition, your tractor may be worth a lot of money.

 

[Fish]

Re-looking at the thread again, adjust the valves, change the fluids and filters, and that thing might outlast us all.

 

[Carscw]

Man I agree fix it. That mower was built to last.

Worst case is you could find a used engine like a 18 or 20 hp would really bring it to a new life.

Like fish said this mower is worth some money

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I moved your thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair Forum. :smile:

 

[RoninCT]

Re-looking at the thread again, adjust the valves, change the fluids and filters, and that thing might outlast us all.

Thank you for your responses. I will see if I can find another repair place to work on the engine. I really like the tractor and have used it for over 30 years. Always ran well and is a real workhorse. Hope I can find a reliable shop in the area of western CT.

 

[exotion]

Yah fix it if its that old now and worth some money what will it be worth in 10 more years?