33 replies to this topic

[mcorso22]

Hey guys, im heading out today to look at a bolens G14. I dont know much about them other then its what im after.the seller stated over the phone that it will need a solinoid but other then that she is really nice. Any pointers to avoid a real problem would be appreicated. .

[Bolens 1000]

Generally if the tractor is not running it drops the price down quite a bit IMO. There could be other things wrong besides a solenoid that may not be visible, such as worn out rod or bad rings/ valves.

 

A few things to start you off with:

 

What condition is the tractor in?

Original paint?, Has it had any modifications done on it?

Is the engine/ transmission leaking any oil?

What shape are the clutch discs/ brake pads in? This could give you an idea of how worn the transmission gears may be if the discs/ pads are really worn and not working.

[boyscout862]

That tecumseh engine is notorious for the ignition being very expensive to fix if it doesnt work. You also should consider the value of the attachments that come with it. When working right they are great tractors. Download the manual from this site and get familiar with the tractor. Good Luck, Rick

[broken2]

I would use jumper cables to jump the starter. It may not start do to bad gas/dirty carb if it's been sitting awhile. Even if it doesn't start you can at least check for spark,compression and listen for bad internals. Good luck

[blackjackjakexxix]

All good points stated above,you should be able to by pass the selenoid and start it

Edited by blackjackjakexxix, February 15, 2013 - 10:02 AM.

[mcorso22]

Ok. Ill look into bypassing the solinoid. Any advice on how to do so?

[mcorso22]

The tractor is all original, id believe its hood has been painted. Garage stored. Comes with blow and snowblower. The seller says no issues,just the solinoid went out.

[broken2]

To jump the starter you need a confirmed good battery, even the one in your car will do. Hook the cables to the battery first, then connect the positive cable to the starter. There should be only one post on the starter with a fairly heavy wire/cable going to it, hook the other end of the positive cable to this post or to the other end of the heavy wire/cable where it connects to the solenoid. Then when you are ready to turn the engine over just connect the negative cable to a good ground on the tractor (head bolt, frame etc.). When you touch the negative cable to ground it will spark at first so make sure it is away from batteries or any combustibles. Also make sure the tractor is not in gear, all pto's/attachments are off and have a plan to shut it down if it should start. I suggest being ready to pull the plug wire, you don't know if the ignition switch is functional. This is the method I use but it may not be the best, others may have better/easier methods.

[JDBrian]

Good luck getting it. It sounds like it could be a very nice tractor.

[mcorso22]

Ok. Will take a battery and cables and try that out. Thanks for the heads up. Will keep you posted

[mcorso22]

Ok guys, I got the G14 and just unloaded it at my grandpas house, got the mowing deck and snowblower. No luck getting her started, talked to ol buzzard and he made me feel at ease buying it without hearing it run. Over all shes in good shape and im looking forward to getting her down to columbus and into my garage to start getting back to a working machine again. Pics to come!

[Bigdaddydon]

You need to be careful listening to Ole Buzzard.  He is a little crazy   about Bolens and believes that all of them are worth saving.  Oh, I guess we all think that. Nevermind.

 

Great job picking up the G14 your going to love it.

 

Ole Buzzard just kidding

[OldBuzzard]

Mike, I take it you got the freewheeling pin out OK?

 

Mike's G14 has something on it that 99+% of other Bolens TFs don't have...a brake on the PTO that stops it from spinning when you disengage it.

 

That particular feature was only on the 1978 G11 and G14.

 

I'll be looking forward to pics, and later, a video of it running

[mcorso22]

Yup, pulled the wheel,tapped the free wheel pin out,and "lubed" it with pb bolt blaster, worked it back and forth till it moved nicely. Rolled her up and away I went. First thing tomorrow the john deere stickers are coming off! (Youll see in the pics!) oh it had a CB radio installed on it too. Ha

[Texas Deere and Horse]

Glad to hear you found a good G T. I'll be waiting to see some pictures of her !