question on IXK 3 engine parts

[mikeinnh]

so i finally tore into the engine (IXK3) on the hg 31 and found some bad stuff. it spun a rod bearing on #3 and all the rest of the rod bearings are worn. they are the shell type inserts. the mains are babbit style with shims under the caps. they have some wear but are still tight and the crank looks decent. the pistons have wear on the wrist pin bushings and the wrist pins look to have slight play in the small end of the rods. IM not too familiar with these engines and what to be concerned with as far as wear goes, and not at all sure whats acceptable wear on babbit mains. could use a little advice as to what I should really be most concerned with and even more whats available for repair parts.  I have to keep in mind this is just a toy that will never see a day of work as long as I own it. just a show or 2. any and all input would be great.
thanks
Mike

[John Schwiebert]

Well now. You can get oversize wrist pins. I don't understand the pin bushings thing. Does this engine still have cast iron pistons? The wrist pin clamped in the rod or is your engine different? do you have a rod forging number?  F-M may still hve rod bearings. Their part number is 1450SB. If not send me a PM type reply. I have a plan B. Did you plastigauge the mains? Also rod bearings can be repoured, but you need to know the cost. My plan B may be cheaper.

[mikeinnh]

the bushings I was refering to are in the pistons, atleast thats what I thought they were bushings, one on each side that the wrist pin runs in.they are still the cast pistons and the rods are clamped on the wrist pins. I have not plastigauged the mains yet, what type of clearance should there be? I know nothing of this style bearing, im used to just replaceing inserts when you have it apart. as for the rod bearings, it has clevite 77 inserts in it, so maybe they have been replaced one already?

[John Schwiebert]

Send me a P-M and I will dig up some engine specs for you.

[kapou]

if j.Schwiebert pull every one in to P-M how do the rest of us get info,,,nowonder no one posts here.. I just don't think it right .. sorry john just had to say itt

   kapou

[John Schwiebert]

Right now it would be easier just to make some photo copies and mail them.

[mikeinnh]

I have worked on alot of engines, although none have been hercules, this is the most frustrating and discouraging engine so far, its unbelievable how little information is on the internet, and the parts are so far and few between. it really stinks as the tractor its in is just so neat, but its useless without it.

[John Schwiebert]

What did you expect? I did have the dates at one time but the last times thos IX engines were made was in the early 1970'. First built in the 1930's They are not like a small block Chevie. I guess I have been around this stuff long enough I would not look on the internet for information or service. But you came here so now you want help. Start in the beginning as what you want to do. Is it apart ? Have youmeasured it up to see what size you need of everything.

[hotratz]

Find a old established machine shop out in the suburbs and I'll bet someone in there knows plenty about those engines. They're not that ancient and basic engine technology hasn't changed much. There are parts available. Call these guys Hercules Parts

[Gazer61]

Mike
if you are having problems finding someone, I used Upper valley machine in White River Jct. Vermont(802-295-5788). The owners name is Will ,he has done a few of them in his day.
I would give him a call.  The one thing I can tell you he is an independent type of person, it will not do you any good to ask him when it will be done I think that just slows him down.[img][img]

[walter hudson]

In my area many machine shops have shut down .Is this common in other parts of the country??
Walter

[walter hudson]

These engines will run with a little extra clearence everywhere and alot in many places .I have torn many down and was amazed that they still would run . Have the rod journals turned ,polish the mains and adjust with shims .If you need rod journal dimensions let me know .
Walter

[Orangeman]

Hello Walter: Good points that you made on the clearances for the IXK motors.  

One thing that might help is to cross reference other applications that utilized the IXK motor, I can think of a couple that might be of use.  Chris Craft Boats, small GE field welders, I think that their was also a bucaneer boat that used the IXA,K's and B's.

Anyone else have a list or cross reference applications for the Hercules IX engines.  Maybe John S. will see this and provide his thoughts.  Good luck on this project.

[mikeinnh]

THe engine is all apart, and I can measure. but  it does me no good, cant find any specs, and theres nothing replaceable in the lower end. the local machine shop doesnt do any babbitt work, thats whats so frustrating, any other engine I have worked on, including my 48 farmall, the crank gets turned and you get new bearings, doesnt work that way with this thing, every bearing on this is worn, everything has "excessive" clearance. too bad a cummins 4bt couldnt fit in there, that would be neat...and as a sidenote actually, One engine I have managed to stay away from due to total dislike is the chevy 350. never owned or wanted one.

[John Schwiebert]

If we get all that snow they are talking about I will be stuck here. If I had your e-mail then I could send you a copy. On the bearings: Neither Clevite nor F-M has furnished main bearings for that engine for a long time. Reason: They did not make the thrust bearing to start with and the company that did was sold and the tooling for the thrust was junked. How many shims do you have left? They can be repoured.  Pistons: Egge did make them. Find yourself a good set of IXB pistons and have the block bored to fit the IXB pistons. You need to get in contact with Jerry Biro. He is North America's largest dealer for obsolete Hercules parts and also has some Cletracs in his collection.