Advice on 574 D-239 rebuild

NorthernVA · Feb 12, 2015

I have a 574 with a D-239 that has antifreeze in the oil. I haven't dropped the pan, but an assuming it is from an o-ring at the sleeve bottom since the antifreeze drains quickly. I am trying to decide if I should have the engine rebuilt at a dealership or do it myself. I have the D239 repair manual and read it. I am mechanically inclined but never rebuilt an engine beyond a lawn mower. My concerns are knowing how far to go: split tractor, boil block & inline with new cam bearings, head work, crank, finding were to get work done at, getting the correct parts and source for them (see lots of items on ebay but don't know about them), and having any specialty tools necessary to do the items in the manual. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

pete 23 · Feb 12, 2015

Two things to keep in mind on that engine. The camshaft bushings have to be align bored by machine shop. Next thing, there are higher compression pistons available that make engine start easier and run cleaner no load exhaust. I believe the higher ones are classified as 16 -1 and low 15-to 1. But , if you look in original service manual it will show original as 16 to 1 which is incorrect. Most engine kits now days specify high comp but some do not. Also, there are two different sizes , types, of O-rings in block and you have to be sure to use correct one.
Also,(getting to be more than two things) the valve recession is critical and should be kept to new specs and not the permissible spec in book.

JimB2 · Feb 12, 2015

Hi Northern VA, any idea how many engine hours
on the 574? Was it using any oil, hard to
start, low oil pressure?
My Dad had a 454 3-cyl version of D-239 that
started to leak coolant into the crankcase
after the fan belt broke and he overheated the
engine. He had IH mechanic replace sleeve O-
rings, piston rings and hone the cylinders.
that was at about 8,000 hours and 454 is still
running well today with well over 15,000 hours.
I am just stating my Dad's experience, so it is
your choice, if the engine is tired and in need
of a overhaul or if it is good and just
requires the O-rings plus piston rings. If you
do it yourself, you must have some varying load
to put on the engine to seat the rings
afterwards.

JimB

NorthernVA · Feb 12, 2015

JimB, Thanks. It did not burn oil and was easy starting in any weather without ether. Oil pressure was typically between 20-40. Don't know the actual hours as I'm the 2nd owner and the hour gauge reads ~3000+ hours which I'm sure is really ~13000. Didn't realize the job could be as small as O-rings and piston rings. Its items like the ring seating process that has me hesitating.

Owen Aaland · Feb 12, 2015

If you are lucky enough to be able to remove the sleeve with the piston still in it you can get by without replacing the rings.

urbancase · Feb 12, 2015

not sure if this helps but i am in process of putting back together a d-206 for a 584, how ever mine had set 10 years uncovered so i am bring it back from the grave. it is a total rebuilt and everything new beside the block. if this is a running tractor and just started the problem you may be able to do just the one bad cylinder. not sure if the d-236 is the same on the o-ring for the sleves but on mine there is two diffrent size o-ring for the bottom of the sleve and you need to know your motor serial number so you put the right ones in. there was .016 difference between the two of them. i also have the IH manual for this and could copy some stuff if you need it. will leave e-mail open. hope this helps.

Advice on 574 D-239 rebuild

NorthernVA

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pete 23

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JimB2

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NorthernVA

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Owen Aaland

Well-known Member

urbancase

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