Saying hello with my Sovereign 7016 and a ?

[Frank7016 0]

My name is Frank from Mishawaka, Indiana. I finally picked up my first project Simplicity tractor to tinker with, adding a second to my garage. The intention is to use this tractor as a utility tractor around my property, once I get it running.

I bought it with the issue of "I think the exhaust valve is sticky but I'm not real sure" story. After some research prior to the purchase, I thought it would be an easy fix. Tonight (the first night of messing with it) I decided to pop the head off to check out the piston and valves, just to ensure that nothing else is wrong with it. Well, it's clear that the head has been off before because the piston and the head is free of carbon.

And then I noticed that the piston has what appears some gashes out of it, maybe from a die grinder or something.

Am I completely screwed with this piston? My first thought is that I am.

[Mike_H 92]

Huh...I had one that looked just like that but worse. As far as I know, it was damaged from running, no die grinder necessary. Couple of people I've talked to said it was probably running extremely lean at some point. I put a new piston in it. Welcome to the club, and nice tractor...Grader blades are kinda rare!

[fishnwiz 3,290]

Welcome to the site! Nice tractor.

[Frank7016 0]

Thanks for the compliments. I guess my chances are somewhat slim, if this thing will run as it should or not.

[RayS 79]

Welcome to the club.

[Simplicity7013H 95]

Welcome to the club! I live in Osceola and fellow member Goatfarmer lives in South Bend. So you have a couple members close by:)

[Frank7016 0]

quote:Originally posted by Simplicity7013H

Welcome to the club! I live in Osceola and fellow member Goatfarmer lives in South Bend. So you have a couple members close by:)

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id="quote">

id="quote">No kidding? I am right around the corner, off Jefferson. Just on the north side of the river behind Penn.

[720nut 4,225]

welcome to the club

[Marty-MN 0]

What does the cylinder wall look like, Could be an easy fix.

[Frank7016 0]

I don't have a photo with me right now, but the wall looked pretty good. Still has etching in it.

I think I will put it all together and try to fire it as is.

[BLT 718]

Take a look at the valve and have them refaced if they weren't touched. Lap them in. It doesn't hurt.

[goatfarmer 817]

Originally posted by Frank7016

quote:

id="quote">Welcome!d:)Used to work "around the corner', so to speak, at Patrick Metals. Now I'm in Elkhart.Have you tried to start it?

[Frank7016 0]

You really worked 'around the corner'. I went to Weaver Ag and Michiana Lawn to try and source a new head gasket and came up empty handed. I have one ordered and should be here Monday. Hopefully next week I can attempt to start it.

Know of anyone who has a motor locally?

[dentwizz 6]

If the ring flats and skirt don't have any crack damage and the piston doesnt' slap excessively when you slide it down in the bore chances are it would be fine. Ideal would be a new piston which is usually in the order of 60 or less. I just pulled one from service that had cracked rings and was still running. It only became hesitant when the valve clearance was making the valves float too much. They will run pretty well in spite of a lot of not quite, it's just now right do you want it to be;) Just make sure to put plenty of assembly lube(the real stuff) on before putting it all back in. Oil does not count.

[Frank7016 0]

Good info, (thank you) and also why I want to try to start it before a rebuild. I've had my hand in on a few engine builds and think this is worth attempting to start. The piston feels very solid in the cyl and the cyl walls look good despite pieces of the piston literally gone.

Really, I just want to get it (the tractor) through winter. In the spring, I would like to do a full restoration on it.

[goatfarmer 817]

Chandlers, north of Roseland, used to have a lot of older Briggs stuff. But last time I was by there, it looked like they were closed. Michiana, the one on Mayflower Rd? 5 minutes from my house.

[Frank7016 0]

Chandlers is closed. And yes, the shop off Mayflower.