32 replies to this topic

[Nascar3244888]

Well the local auto mechanic asked me if I wanted an old Bolens 1600 Hydro Eliminator....and well......how could I say no......So I brought it home today, its pretty rough but after sitting for 6 years in a barn what do you expect.... Heres what I did in a half hr after taking the pics im including....drained the gas, put new gas in, shot some oil down the 16hp opposed twin's spark plug holes, actually getting the original 2004 battery to crank on its own power so that I could hopefully spread some oil in the engine so it if it starts it not a dry start, checked for spark which it had, checking the oil which was full...black but full....cleaned some of the acid off the battery terminals, and finally after all that....SHE FIRED RIGHT UP!!! Hydro works good, engine runs a little rough which is from needing a carb kit or just a cleaning, but it does operate at all rpms. Speed Control works, the amp gauge shows a good charge, and the pto was said to be bad but with the key turned on it does click on and off with the switch so im not sure yet. Besides that the lights dont work but I havent checked into that yet, but I did give it a fresh oil change, new plugs, and a new air filter and fuel filter. Just need a carb clean or rebuild. As far as the deck im not sure if its a 42 or 48 but it is a rear discharge which i have never seen or had before. The one spindle seemed loose but all were very free and the deck is fine just some surface rust but it is solid (like the tractor ) also, all the labels that give you a model number are worn off. All in all it needs some work but mechanically its great!! Heres some pics, video to come.....enjoy!!!

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[olcowhand]

Looks like you made out like a bandit! Rough...yes, but lots of potential, and it'll work just fine the way she looks!

[grand]

Good score Brad. Sounds like you found a winner.Thanks for the pics and I am looking forward to the video.

[Delmar]

Your auto mechanic is a keeper! NICE find! i like those rear discharge decks! Is that a briggs motor? I have a briggs and stratton 16 hp opposed twin in my '83 or so Ford YT 16. It a great motor, no problems with it at all.

[Bolens 1000]

Great Find!

I believe those were 48'' decks, These series used both side discharge and rear discharge decks.

[tractorman604]

I think thats a great find!

[Ryan313]

Great find! Looking forward to the video.

[JDBrian]

Thats one of the best freebies I've seen. Congratulations. That will clean up really nice.

[redcarkids]

What a deal can't go wrong with the price, good luck.

[trowel]

Wow wee, nice find,

[HDWildBill]

Sweet deal! You need to buy that mechanic a can of oil! err I mean beer.

Edited by HDWildBill, February 11, 2012 - 10:15 PM.

[dstaggs]

Good find and Hopefully it will be easy fix.

[MH81]

I'd say it unanimous, you did not over pay.

Glad it found a new home. Did you hear it sigh when you did the oil change?

[daytime dave]

Pretty good deal, considering the price. Congrats to you.

[Cvans]

Great snag and the price was perfect. Sand and paint and it will look nice also.