Thought I'd post some photos as I go through my 1981 444 engine mount repair.
I have had this tractor for 3 years, and noticed then that the engine mounts would need replacing. I kept putting it off as I was only using this tractor ocassionally (winter snow plowing, spring gravel driveway regrading). Well it has ended up becoming my main tractor after my "newer" (1982) 444 blew a head gasket and after starting that repair I determined that it should be a full rebuild (back burner for now!)
About a month ago I noticed that the pto lever side on the '81 was completely loose and resting on the frame, so now I had no vibration isolation. I could lift the engine about 1/2"!
Now I had no choice, and timing not too bad with mowing mostly finished and before snow falls.
Had some time yesterday and got to it.
Removal wasn't too bad - glad for my dad's chain lift! Everything got a good wash as I went along.
Surprisingly bolts all have full thread, but one was without the countersunk washer (definitely helped it come loose). I also noticed that 3 of the 4 were about 1/4" shorter and had been sawed off, so clearly this engine has been out before. Further evidence was the bolt hole on opposite "tight" side that had vibrated holes 1/8" deep into the frame!? Only way that happened was if they were once loose too (but they were very tight when I removed them).
So...I have to wonder why they weren't replaced before? The old ones certainly look original to the tractor. The one by oil return line was the worst, but 40 years of leaking oil and/or gas (ethanol?) can inflict severe damage to the rubber. The swollen one is like jelly now.
The only thing I can think of was this was pre-internet/forum days, and the previous owner probably gave up when calling to get new ones (I called my local CaseIH dealer who once sold these gt's and he said NLA).
Anyways, a quick call to Bill at Barneveld last week and I got them yesterday (literally the mail truck put them in the mailbox as I was punching the rivets off the old mounts - talk about timing!) I've placed the new beside my old ones for reference.
Here are some photos this far.
More to come once I source new rivets, washers and the correct 2" hex bolts (should have ordered the too, ah well!)
Anyone have a place in Ontario for the mounting hardware? I'll try my local farm dealer this week.
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right here and they won't open the door for me, I'm not a business 