Re: (ET) E15 on Ebay, a helping hand

[jim <fiskfarm mediaone net>]

Yes, all good advice. Boy it's hard to sit at the computer and restore a
tractor in your head and remember everything. As more advice comes in we 
should
combine them all together. Mice is a big one. I have had less trouble with 
them
on tractors where I have left the control cover off. (unsightly though!) 
They
love that spot and can do a lot of damage particularly high up inside 
where the
pc boards sit. Be sure and open the other cover under the hood to check 
that
area out as that gives you a better vantage point. They raise hell with my
snowmobiles too.

Again Mobile 1 for the steering knuckles. (tie rod ends)

Also on the mowers it is very common for the brushes to seize up from 
aluminum
corrosion of their carriers. I remove the brushes and scrape the au clean. 
I
coat the carriers with a little Break Away to prevent future trouble. It is
important to keep the mowers covered as rain seeps into the motors and 
does a
lot of damage. Not so much of a problem on the main motors as they are
protected under the tractor.

The only time I have seen the brushes wear out was on a tractor that had 
been
used to mow a motel lawn (all hills) for @ 30 years, so I wouldnt worry too
much about worn brushes otherwise.

Jim

"Hazen, Dwight L" wrote:

>  Don,
>
>  I agree with every thing said about bringing your E15 back to life. Jack
> the front end up and make sure the steering is free after you do the 
> lubing
> and shimming (if needed). I had problems with the tie rod ends, they 
> needed
> oil in them. I did not figure this out until I jacked the front end off 
> the
> ground and was able to feel/see the binding taking place.
>
>  Also after you run your tractor awhile disconnect the main switch and 
> use
> your hand to look for hot connections. Battery connection, motor 
> connections
> any high current connection should be looked at. You will learn what is
> normal and what is not real quick!  Also feel the three motors on the 
> deck
> to make sure they are all the same temperature after you have mowed 
> awhile.
> after many years the thermal cutouts on the motors may not work and you 
> can
> burn a motor out! I learned this the hard way.
>
>  BE SURE and check for mouse nests A friend burned his charger out 
> because
> of a mouse nest on the transformer. In fact it darn near burnt his 
> tractor
> up..
>
>   Dwight
>
> Dwight L. Hazen, Indiana University, UITS
> Bloomington, In. 47408-7378 Phone 812-855-5367 hazen indiana edu
> http://php.ucs.indiana.edu/~hazen/ Ham Radio wb9tlh arrl net