[AT] AC-170 Diesel starts in the cold

[carl gogol]

Just a note to everyone on the list that commented on this tractor not 
starting last week to let you know it has a new home.   :-)
The story of the Jr. salesman not having the fuel on was apparently true, it 
started without ether or being plugged-in weather that was either 21 or 25 F 
(dealers temperature vs. our car's gauge).  I can't say it started super 
easy, but I thought quite reasonable compared to some engines I have had the 
"pleasure" to be around.  It  fired in short order and then would quickly 
start to increase RPMs to the point where the mechanic would pull the 
throttle back to keep the speed down - it would then quit.  It did this 
about 5 times and I suggested that he slowly move the throttle back to a 
less vigorous idle and it then kept running.  The exhaust cleared in a short 
time, seemed under 5 minutes.and then ran very clean and clear until load or 
acceleration was applied.  No knocking, clanging or strange sounds.  Rode it 
around enough to check out the tranny and power director.  Power director 
snaps into both ranges, but seems "soft" enough to require some adjusting 
next winter.  Clutch does not engage until almost all pedal is used, don't 
know if it will still adjust or needs to be replaced - seems good to go 
until next winter at least.  Rubber is solid, at least 50% thread and no 
weather checks.  Its big too, 18.4-28 , Our D-17 had 16.9".  Even has a set 
of wheel weights.
The crack in the block is between two frost plugs and actually quite easy to 
get to once the starter is removed.  Should be a straight forward job for 
the lock and stitch repair system.  I will have to move some stuff around in 
the barn this weekend to make room for it  - should be delivered next week.
I had been looking for a Series IV D-17, but this seemed so much like one I 
thought that it would do just fine.  I am surprised at how "$ reasonable" 
that engine kits and the like are for this Perkins engine.  I think the 
parts for the D-14's engines are at least 50% higher, as are those for the 
similar sized Allis built gas and diesels.  Looks like it pays to use a high 
production volume engine.
This has a 3 point hitch, original top link and two remote valves.  I was at 
an auction last summer and picked up a loader for a 170 because I thought 
that it would fit a D-14.  Talk about luck - no more luck for me for several 
years!  This will probably let me sell one of the D-14s (I'm not sure if I 
used that with the wife or not)!
Very much noticed one other thing, - there is a big difference between a 36 
HP machine and a 56 HP machine!  I had forgotten the feel of that much 
power.  I negotiated a price that. while it included delivery, is "as is". 
The manager is not happy with the salesman for not spotting the crack and 
the salesman is not happy with the previous owner for not pointing it out. 
Manager wanted it out before the end of the year - that was clear and said 
this way he was wholesaling it.  I am very comfortable with it as it is the 
third tractor of that general design I have bought.  This hopefully gives me 
quite a bit of knowledge about them and what to look for.  Time will tell if 
I really know what I am doing.
Carl Gogol
Manlius, NY
AC 170 D
(2) AC D-14, AC 914H
Simplicity 3112 & 7116
Kubota F-2400