Engine ideas

[js5020]

Gravely guys, I have a 1950 model L down in the basement I'd like to get going by spring, but here's the problem,,,, a previous owner trashed the engine,,, totally trashed it!!! So has anyone converted to something modern?? Can it be done?? Ideas?

 

[Solo]

There's a Honda conversion on the Gravelytown site. I don't see why you couldn't find a Kohler or one of the other engines Gravely used and get the adapters from your gravely dealer or find one used. I would like to try a diesel if I was going to rebuild one. I'm not sure how much machine work would be involved?

Solo

 

[js5020]

I have seen that Honda conversion and the Yanmar one also. I guy from NZ use to sell kits for the Honda but discontinued from my understanding. Now the Yanmar diesel was fabbed up by a guy in Sweden if I remember, looked sweet. Diesel would probably be the better performance option, as the torque curve would probably be a better match to the original engine. The engine to housing adapter could be done but the gear into the planetary would be the problem.

 

[js5020]

Ok thought about this a little,,,, I have the shaft with the planetary gear,,,, here is the plan, gonna cut both ends off leaving just the gear, then bore the gear out and broach a keyway in it, put a counter bore in one side, make a sleeve for the crank and a pilot stub and bolt that to the crank. Then I think all that would be necessary is to slide it together and get the dimensions for the engine to trans adapter and make that up,, will it work??? Anyone have any thoughts? If it will work I could mate up almost any engine to an old L.

 

[oldmech]

I adapt a diesel engine on Gravely L 1952. I use Gravely crankcase with a steel plate as adapter. All is running now. Easy and low cost. Jean-Marc as Oldmech

 

[js5020]

Oldmech, what diesel did you use? How did you adapt the sun gear? Do you get alot of vibration from the engine?

 

[oldmech]

I use original pinion shaft from Gravely crankshaft with flex coupling(taper machined).I use the Gravely crankcase between Diesel motor and transmission. Engine is a Dek-diesel F400 as Yanmar . For vibration Yes! a little bit on idle. But The original T Gravely engine vibrate a lot also. Honda engine is a good choice as GX390. I have somes pictures but I dont know how to do for send Sorry! Old mech.

 

[js5020]

What hp is that engine? I like your idea using the of using the old crankcase half, makes me start to rethink my original plan. How about the ground speed at full throttle? Of course I'm assuming the engine your using has max rpm of 3600.

 

[js5020]

Ok, I did some research on that engine, looks to be a 10 hp @ 3600 rpm.

 

[js5020]

Another question on using the old case, how do you lubricate the bushing in the case, or don't you?

 

[oldmech]

A 10 hp diesel gives the torque of 13hp gas motor on more flat curve. I have L model with gear reduction(1-3 ratio) with 5-12 tires . I use the two parts of Gravely crankcases one with sun gear and flex coupling (LC 100) on transmission Other half bolted with steel plate(1|4 in.thick) adapter on engine and flex coupling. For bushing oiling (By splash). I make two oil galeries( two holes in the crankcase with guards)for pick oil. You know they are oil on two side of bushing by splash and in center by oils galeries. also I put 6 quarts of UDT oil in transmission case. I test everythings now . Thanks! Oldmech

 

[oldmech]

I test Gravely Dek-Diesel today. Powerfull.Torque is impressive. Good balance with brush mower.For speed it is about L8 low range. I run the Gravely Dek-Diesel for about one hour one liter fuel later . I stop engine and remove the crankcase cover for checking trans. bushing NO Hot and oilling was very GOOD.
BAD side Diesel engine vibrations are hight in low speed and moderate on medium speed. I plan isolate the (reversible) handlebar. Oldmech

 

[js5020]

Congrats on your successful resurection oldmech!!

 

[krislu]

Oldmech- More pics please. I would love to see more. Good job. - Kris

 

[billbill1]

That diesel mounted up very cleanly, nice work. What does that engine cost, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[oldmech]

JS5020- KRISLU- BILLBILL1 I send you new pics. For the Dek-Diesel F400 I paid $580 CND Good engine for the price. . This Motor is CHINA Made as YANMAR JAPAN . I think original YANMAR L100V is a lot BETTER. But price??? Gravely are the finnest machine you can find used in America. I like the planetary transmission. If You Plan install new motor I have more info for you. Thanks OLDMECK

 

[billbill1]

Thank you!!

 

[js5020]

Well done oldmec, and thanks for the additional pic's.

 

[krislu]

Oldmech- I don't understand why you didn't mount the motor directly to the Gravely tranny ? Why did you retain the lower halves of the Gravely "T" motor ? Were you not able to fabrcate a mounting plate ? Great pics though !!

- Kris

 

[oldmech]

Thanks Kris! The problem is sun gear in trans. My problem is money. Machine shop works are very expensive. My solution is EASY and LOW cost. I spend less $150. I use standard or original sun gear and shaft from Gravely crankshaft and use crankcase because I need space for flex coupling (L 100) for joint motor to trans. Motor is fix (Bolted) with steel plate adaptor(1/4 in.thick)on other Half crankcase.
Some adaptor take about 3 in.+- Gravely crankcase about 6-7 in. With gear reduction we can balance the tractor. My next project is fix an Honda motor on L8. OLDMECH