Gasket question for 1974 JDX 6

elachevr · Post by **elachevr** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:44 am

Hi Guys,
I just picked up a pair of 1974 jdx6's and i've started to restore one. I bought them from the original owner and they both have about 1500 miles each. The engine has never been touched so i did a compression test and the clutch side has 90psi and the recoil side has 120psi. I want to replace the head gaskets, cylinder base gaskets and the piston rings. I don't have a clutch puller and was wondering what to do with the crankcase seal? It looks to be leaking on the clutch side.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Anyone ever try that metal putty to seal leaks?

mikehjd · Post by **mikehjd** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:04 am

Did you ever find a sportfire? I might be getting a JDX6 that is not running let me know if you need parts Im in Saskatchewan

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:51 am

What you need to do is get yourself a Comet clutch puller. Don't fight it!

Figure to replace the clutch side seal for sure. It can be replaced without splitting the case, after the clutch is off. You probably want to look at the clutch anyway.

elachevr · Post by **elachevr** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:12 am

Hi,

Could you be more specific regarding the comet clutch puller. Are they all the same or is there a 74 JDX6 comet clutch puller?

Mike, I didn't buy the sportfire as it sold right away. The 2 jdx's that I have are complete and look great. They have remained in their natural state since the day they were born. Even the gas lines have john deere written on them. The one that I am presently working on has an electric start which is exciting.

The owner remembers seeing them on the showroom floor and thinking how sexy they look. According to him, the jdx6's smoked their neighbors who rode 440 tnt's.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:32 am

You need a Comet clutch puller for a 100C thru 108C

DK has them as do others.

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:08 pm

With compresssion numbers like you have and the fact that you know the pto seal is bad you may have a piston and/or cylinder issue to deal with also.

A complete engine tear down would be recommended and good internal cleaning and inspection. Split the case and check the center seals and bearings.

The cost of the puller should be looked at as an investment. But you may be able to barrow one as this clutch is very common.

elachevr · Post by **elachevr** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:45 pm

Thanks for the info. Do i need a tool as well to lock the flywheel? It mentions that in the service manual?
Thanks.

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:14 pm

If you use a impact wrench you will not need a holder or tool to keep the crank from turning, just your other hand.

You will need a puller for the flywheel. But many guys already have this one as it is know as a steering wheel puller or a harmonic balancer puller or a flange puller.

You may need some longer metic bolts(three) as some puller kits do not have long enough ones.

Any Auto Parts store should stock these pullers for around $40.

Also have a Engineer's hammer or a BFH close at hand in case the clutch or flywheel is realy stuck. Only smack the puller bolt, never anthing else.

elachevr · Post by **elachevr** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 1:50 pm

So last night i tore the engine apart (what I could do anyways). The left piston that had 90 psi had 1/2 a piston ring missing and there is a small piece of metal missing between the 2 rings the circumferance of a pencil eraser and perhaps 1mm deep. I am assuming I need a new piston. Can you remove the piston clips with regular tools or do you need the piston pin tool?

Thanks

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 2:34 pm

Needle nose pliers will get the clip out. You may be able to slide the pin out by hand.

It would be important to find the missing metal parts from the piston and the broken ring. If they are in the case they have to come out or they will cause further damage.

They may be stuck in the exhaust which is not a big deal but give the pipe a shake and rattle and see if they fall out. Also check the Y-pipe.

I would be looking very closely at the crank once you get the case apart. It is possible that the pieces were ground up and are lodged in the bearings. This would be very bad.

elachevr · Post by **elachevr** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:49 pm

Great advice. What I wouldn't give to have someone like you as a neighbor.