Progress has been slow on the repower. Cut a cardboard template, check for fit. Transfer to metal and locate holes, drill holes check for fit. Put in take off, make adjustments. I finally completed the engine to frame mount. All painted and installed. I like to tig weld nuts in hard to reach with a wrench areas. Tack weld the nuts, wait to cool then run a tap through them to chase threads. It makes it easier to install and disassemble later. Throttle and choke cables installed. Fuel line connected and now working on oil cooler and hydraulic oil tank. I thought there was plenty if room and it fits with some creative fabrication. Again welding nuts on to help out with assembly. Next is the exhaust system which I’m still thinking about. It’s definitely not going to be a stack up in the air. It’s a work in progress and I don’t want to rush it. I was very concerned about getting the engine low enough so the hood would close. Then I thought a hood scoop would look terrific. Engine is low and hood closes. Now the oil tank cap hits the hood in front. I’ll have to make adjustments somewhere. Harry
Attachments
Oil cooler mock up
Left side engine bolted in place
Left side
Left side hydraulic oil filter and line for case drain to rear.
Welding the nuts on is a really great idea @Harry . Some people build stuff that's terrible to fix after. Glad to see you do it well. The backhoe I'm working on now had absolutely every pin clip on the interior side where it's virtually impossible to get to. Once it gets really rusty over time it it becomes the stuff nightmares are made off. Wish I was able to tig weld for this.
The fact that you're not in a hurry helps getting that new engine in just right!
Eugen wrote: ↑Mon Apr 24, 2023 9:45 am
Welding the nuts on is a really great idea @Harry . Some people build stuff that's terrible to fix after. Glad to see you do it well. The backhoe I'm working on now had absolutely every pin clip on the interior side where it's virtually impossible to get to. Once it gets really rusty over time it it becomes the stuff nightmares are made off. Wish I was able to tig weld for this.
The fact that you're not in a hurry helps getting that new engine in just right!
Eugen, when I looked at my hoe a few weeks back the PO had 1/8” diameter wire through the holes and rusted in place. Tough to get at and hard to get out. Penetrating oil and a punch with a hammer to drive them out. Not a fun job! Yesterday I stopped at my friends house who repairs lawn mowers. I picked up three pieces of exhaust parts with a muffler from old lawn tractors. I liked the way you made an exhaust go under the tractor and shoot out the back. I think with the parts I picked I could make something similar.
Harry
It’s been a long three days cutting fitting and welding. Today I finished the exhaust system for the 646 GT. I tack welded all the parts together on the tractor with my MIG welder. Then disassembled it and TIG welded all the joints together. I made it in two pieces with flanges to make it easier to assemble. Most of the parts came from my small engine mechanics junk pile. I painted it today with high temp black header paint, then bolted it back on checking for fit which was perfect. Next is to remove it and wrap it with titanium header wrap. Harry
As we all know it’s that time of year with to many irons in the fire. We had some rain this afternoon so I spent the afternoon working in my shop. Did some grilling for lunch then got busy on the 646. I wrapped the exhaust with titanium header wrap then installed on the GT. I’m happy with the results. There is just a couple of items to finish before I can fill up the hydraulic oil tank and fire it up. Harry
It’s been touch and go on the repower but slowly making headway. Today I assembled parts I collected and fabricated to have a hydraulic pressure gauge in the dashboard. The hour meter never worked so I removed it and put the gauge in it’s place. I replaced the drain plug in the tcv with a 1/4” nipple, brass T, 1/4” plug and a 4’, 1/4” hydraulic hose. Plug is on the bottom of the T and hose to gauge on the side. (Sorry no pic of the plumbing). Harry
It’s a work in progress and I don’t want to rush it. 
I was very concerned about getting the engine low enough so the hood would close. Then I thought a hood scoop would look terrific. Engine is low and hood closes. Now the oil tank cap hits the hood in front. I’ll have to make adjustments somewhere. 
Harry
let's go, it's finally time to blow.