From: "Bob G." 
Newsgroups: alt.home.repair alt.home.lawn.garden misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Bad Solenoid on riding mower? --> Blown Rod!
Date: Sat, 05 Jul 2003 13:13:27 GMT



Teffy wrote:

>After it died, I checked the oil, and it was so low that it wouldn't
>even register on the dipstick (don't ask).  The local mower repair
>shop owner is telling me that it has a blown rod, that no short block
>is available, and it will cost $1500 - $1600 to repair.  Does it make
>economic sense to do so?
>
>It's a Gravely G-series 16hp that is 15 years old which cost $5000
>new.  We also have vacuum attachments for it.
>
>Thanks,
>Teffy
>  
>
======================================================
You do not "Blow" a rod...you "Throw" a rod !  
Now honestly  IMHO a mower like your Gravely is just beginning to show 
some age at 15...and still should have at least 10-15 more useful years 
before it is ready to be replaced...depending on its condition .    I 
replaced a 25 year old Cub Cadet about 7-8 years ago when the cost  to 
replace a well rusted deck and replacing the 4 original  BUT dry rotted 
tires  was  about 1/3 the cost of a new mower...  

The way I look at it is that your tractor cost 5K 15 years ago 
..replacing it today would be a lot more expensive that spending 1.5K to 
have it repaired...and assuming that the deck, tires etc are still in 
good condition I would just have it repaired... Of course That OLD 
tractor did not have a cup holder for your  beer and a new one may...  lol

Just my opinion...

Bob Griffiths
.