Murray 11/38 38618X92A

Another Murray arrived today.  I have been waiting for this one.

Model 38618X92A,  38 inch deck model 618 and I think  92A indicates it is from walmart.  DOM 1603 ... June 9th 1993
Engine 285707 0126 02 93060330

This came to me as a 1 owner tractor and was obviously kept indoors.  It has a 4 speed transaxle.  The owner ran it without the dipstick and said the engine now makes noise after you run it a while.  After replacing the leaky gas line I started the engine and it does sound a bit strange.  Did not run it for long.  The plan is to tear it down and check it out.  Maybe the rod needs replacing.

Examples from the web  

Most if not all are from auction listings. Few people are interested in these tractors.

This one has the same problem as mine.  I am wondering about the angled gap between the hood and nose.  Note muffler alignment with nose.












Same problem here.   Nice view of grill.














Another example from almost the exact angle as the one above.  This one looks like it has the proper nose hood alignment.  I need to compare this with my tractor.  Get an image at the same angle.

This tractor uses a similar hood, nose and lights but uses a different grill.

Another example of good alignment.  When I get this tractor sorted it is getting a bumper.   the additional length takes up more room but then you can just push the bumper of one against the tires of the one ahead of it.

31P777-0237-G5 Engine Build and Install

Resumed work on this head because I need the tractor to collect leaves and the high lift blades newly installed on the mower deck, along with the new spindle, use more power than the standard blades.  This is just to hard on the existing worn out engine.

Polished the non seating valve surfaces a bit.   Lapped the valves and added the springs and rockers.  Used gas to do a leak test.  The images below are about 2 hours apart.

The flywheel is on but there is not alternator coil under it.  I plan to finish that and add the ignition coil prior to bolting on the head.  Thinking about leaving the head until after the engine is bolted to the tractor.  Need to find the safe place I put them.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Installed the alternator and ignition.  But not the kill wire.   I could not find these parts so I took them off another 31P777.

While I was there I filed a timing mark on the flywheel with the piston at 1/4 inch past TDC.  See "Valve Timing Mark for Intek 31"

Thursday, October 29, 2015

LT1000 Breather

Some time ago I tried changing the breather filter but it did not help.

The old breather filter did not come all the way to the bottom of the cavity.

DO NOT DO THIS: 31P head torque update

I would stick to the original torque spec unless you see different from B&S!

I obtained a new gasket and was given NEW updated torque and sequence instructions that supposedly B&S issued to combat this problem. The service manual has the torque at 220 inch/lbs for the head bolts. The new recommendation is to use 250 in/lbs in a new torque sequence. This is what I did. I put on the new head gasket and then the cylinder head and screwed in the head bolt finger tight. I then torqued them down in the following sequence:

6 2 4 8 3 7 1 5

at 80 in/lbs, then again at 160 in/lbs and lastly at 250 in/lbs.

The same article say to lube the head bolt threads.  Thinking anti seize will work best.

DYT4000 Deck

One of the spindles broke 2 of the 3 mounting tabs.  Order 2 new ones.  Will keep the old good one for a spare.

AYP130794 AYP 130794 Sears Craftsman Husqvana Deck Spindle (Set of 2) 

$28.93 Free Shipping for Prime Members

Murray 18/46

The tractor would not start because of a non working starter.  The guys on M.O.W informed me that it would come off without pulling the flywheel.  It did.

The starter was in very good shape just dry and dirty. Starter gear looks good.

Fired the engine with carb cleaner and it sounded good.  Much better than the 18HP on the 14.5/42. Maybe it just has a better muffler?

Tomorrow I will take a look at the fuel system.  Maybe get it running.  Hope it does not need a motion belt too but I think that is the case.  Thinking about that I should take a look so I can get it ordered if need be.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Could not sleep so played from 4 to 6AM.   Could not find the electric impact so I pushed the tractor to the other shop and used air impact to tighten the flywheel nut.  Later I found the electric impact in the tool cabinet.  I don't normally store it there so..

Moved on to the carb.  This carb does not look like it is 18 years old.  Pulled the top which you can do with the base still on the tractor.  Some crud in the bow.  Needle valve seems gummy.  Cleaned the bowl with carb cleaner.

Given that it had carb problem I think I will take it all the way off and run it through the ultrasonic cleaner.






















Pulled the fuel pump.  One of the little springs is missing.  Time for a pump rebuild kit.

Sept 30

Adding the missing springs did not help either tractor.   So time to do a good carb clean.

Murray Belts

List of belts for mind 90s Murray's

11/36
?
12.5/40
Murray 037X62A Belt, Blade Drive? (measure existing belt seems short)
14.5/42
Murray 037X75A Belt, Blade Drive
18/46
Murray 037X70A  Belt, Primary Mower Drive

Hydro Drive Belt
Murray 37x80MA Motion Drive for Lawn Mowers $19.99