Hello. New case 444 owner

[vicv07]

Good morning everyone. Here from southern Ontario. I have a 73 case 444 in pretty good condition with the 48" deck, sleeve hitch, and hydraulic PTO. The engine could definitely use a new piston and rings. The lift circuit is a bit weak I'll need to diagnose. And I'm going to start a thread about a mower deck issue but otherwise I had always wanted one and last fall I found it for a good price.
Hopefully I can find some like minded owners and can eventually contribute to the community

[Spike188]

Vicv07, You have a nicely packaged 444, much better than the first Case I brought home. Yours had the original exhaust layout, PTO, and sleeve hitch. Just be forewarned that this single 444 might spark a desire for more Case, Colt, or Ingersoll tractors. The only known way to ease the pain is to hunt for and purchase more.

You have joined a great group that are willing to help in the chasing the CCI dream.

Spike

[Eugen]

Welcome to the forum! Actually that paint on the tractor looks in pretty good shape! I'm rebuilding at K321 myself, maybe we can share experiences if you end ip doing it. On the other hand you may need just new rings. We're a pretty good gang from Ontario here, and even more so American expertise!

[vicv07]

See the aluminum sitting on the top of the block? And missing from the piston? Don't think just rings is going to do it!

Thank you for the welcome. Ya I like this machine. Looks so cool. And great at pulling too heavy trailers around

[Chad]

Welcome vic07! Nice to have another Ontario member here - whereabouts are you? That's a nice machine with some great attachments/options you have too. As others have said, be careful they multiply (I have 2 444's). A great group here, lots of helpful advice and a great place to learn/contribute.

Enjoy!

Chad

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[vicv07]

Thanks Chad. I'm in wainfleet. It's about 30km south of saint Catharines in ontario

[Eugen]

See the aluminum sitting on the top of the block? And missing from the piston? Don't think just rings is going to do it!

Carbon build up and pitting on top of the piston. Detonation? Have you cleaned up the top of the piston and block yet?

Hm, you're right, you might want to rebuild it, and have it run nice for years to come. That's my plan; Mike already did my block to the next size, and touched up the valve seats. I'll post updates in my rebuild thread. Stay tuned folks..

[Timj]

Welcome to the group Vicv07 glad to have you here, nice looking tractor. Get that motor in shape and you'll have a trusty machine for years to come.
Tim

[Harry]

Welcome vicv07. It's always a pleasure to see new members that have a similar hobby, Case Gt's. The 444 is an excellent machine and the Kohler is a good engine. With a little work your K321 should be back running fine. I also have a 444 that needs some attention, which I hope to get to and post some pics this winter. I'm looking forward to ore posts of your machine.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[vicv07]

Thanks. The problem for me is no shop to work on it. I'll figure something out in the fall. So far this year I've been using a push mower due to deck issues but I'll get it figured out.