Terra Tiger w/JLO L295 restore

[mxrider4life847]

Hello folks! Been a long time since I have posted here. 6-7 years?

looking for possibly a PDF of the parts diagram for this engine? I know I purchased a parts/overhaul manual and tillotson manual a while back, but cannot seem to find them. I'm specifically looking for a part number for the rope starter recoil spring? Mine was broke, I don't even know how it still had a recoil to it.

Question 2 : Can anyone suggest or have the proper values for the stator and primary/secondary coil resistances? If I remember right, one of the main reasons I pulled the engine was related to an ignition issue. So while I'm all tore apart, I will check the values, clean the points and re-time it. Parts are getting limited and I hate to throw parts at it.

Here's what's going on,

I've had a lot of folks lately ask me about the terra tiger. A few years back, I had started to do some work to it in order to get it back up and running. The majority of my issues were engine related, you know the beloved ever so dependable JLO. So I'm back at it, full speed. I remember I had issues getting the clutch and the fly wheel off. ( change crank bearings ) I finally decided to do some measuring and some online research for pullers. I had tried before but didn't want to mess up the flywheel by using the incorrect tools and processes. ( I am an aircraft mechanic and wired to do things the right way to eliminate bad situations ). I've managed to get this thing (engine) finally completely torn down and l have attached some progress photos if anyone is interested.

I am going to paint the engine. I've come across areas of corrosion that required some extensive cleaning. I will paint all of the aluminum parts, aircraft contenintal engine gold and all of the steel parts ( brackets, starter etc ) flat black. This should help keep the corrosion to a minimum and hopefully make it look pretty neat. (Notice the head is already painted gold, i wasn't real sure about it at first, but I think it will turn out nice)

After doing some measurements I was able to find a puller for the flywheel, if anyone out there has run into the same situation as me, it is a 40mm x 1.5 male threaded puller. Worked like a charm. About $30.00 shipped.

The clutch assy ended up coming off fairly easy as well. You will need a bolt, 7/8 INCH x 14 fine thread. This bolt will thread into the clutch and press against a stationary rod that will press against the crank. For the rod I used a stake chopped to size that fit into the crankshaft. I could not find a bolt anywhere local. I was browsing through my local tractor supply and stumbled across a cat 1-2, 3 point hitch fitting that was the correct thread. I snagged it up along with an additional nut to use as a jam nut. Worked perfect. About $7-8.

I'm shocked, but not really, about how the casting flaws in the engine. A lot of raised flaws in the casting through the cylinder and crankcase ports. I will deffinately be polishing these out, hopefully give it a cleaner airflow.

Anyhow. Enjoy a few photos. Hopefully they will work. Right now I'm in the painting process. Will be adding a new crankshaft, bearings, gaskets and seals. Carb is getting reworked. I will keep posting progress !
image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg

[Andyman]

thanks for the updates.

I like that color

[atc tigers]

It's good to see another person still using the original 18 HP JLO.

As for your ignition issue I would replace your condenser, did that to my Terra Tigers L295 and that chased all the gremlins away and now it works great.

looks good can't wait to see how it turns out.

[mxrider4life847]

Thanks for the replies.

I did consider a re-power, but decided for the sake of my dad ( who along with HIS dad, my granddad, bought the tiger together brand new in 70' ), I wil keep it as original as possible. If i can get the machines reliability and durrability up, I would like to find a Diesel engine to drop in it. Until then, this shiny new looking JLO gets reworked and put back into service.

ATC TIGERS, great idea with the condenser. Did you go with the original condenser PN 237 330 037? Or were you able to come up with a replacement? I see on eBay I could get a 035, but I'm not sure of the difference.

I'm almost done with the painting process. Ive managed to detail the raised lettering flat black without making a mess of it. I've never been a fan of paint work, due to my lack of patience. But I must say, it has turned out well. Pictures To come soon!

I have still not been able to get a good part number for the recoil spring. This week I plan on placing an order for the crankshaft and everything else I need to finish the engine build.

While I'm waiting for parts and paint to dry, I've been looking into fuel tanks. Like most tigers, the original plastic tank is shot and won't do the job anymore. I'd like to drop in a spun aluminum 5-7 gallon tank with gravity feed. I'm figuring that I will have to fabricate a mount for it, to lift it off the floor 2-3 inches for clearance of the tank outlet. I'd certainly be able to retain the original fuel filler neck. Has anyone else attempted this?

[atc tigers]

I too have considered doing an engine swap but if I did I think my whole family might turn on me, Considering my grandfather bought it new and it been in the family all this time with vary very low hours on it. (not much time for fun on the farm so it has sat for most of its life)

When I replace my condenser I wanted to use a Bosch like the originals used in the JLO's but I could not find any at the time so i went with an aftermarket one. The place that I got my replacement was from mfgsupply.com, just be careful when ordering because they sell a long and a short condenser for the JLO's.

The gas tank that I have used is a small 3 gallon boat gas tank because it was easy and it sets perfectly in the back of the tiger, but an aluminum tank sounds like a good idea too.

Finding a new or use recoil spring might be the hardest part in the restoration of the L295, depending on where you are located you might find luck online or at a old time snowmobile shop or a bone yard for a recoil.

Hope this information helps.

[mxrider4life847]

Very cool that your tiger originated in the family as well. Always neat to be able to tell people the stories of these machines. Mine too has spent a lot of time sitting.

I found a replacement condenser that I'm going to put in. It will be the only piece of this engine build that is not OEM JLO. I did find a snowmobile parts place on eBay who had the majority of the parts I needed, including the recoil spring. He told me it was his last one.

Progress update: So here I am in the middle of re-assembly. All has gone well so far. I did however run into a bit of a snag with the head. I put it on with a new gasket, turned the crank through and the piston contacts it. The only thing that has changed is the crankshaft and the head gasket. Cylinder and head are both original. The head isn't shaved either. So idk. It does look like the old gasket I took off is thicker than the new one I put on. Will have to keep thinking about this. I have some more cleaning up to do on the flywheel, then I can finish and hopefully give it a go soon.

Here are some teaser photos, I really think it's going to look nice.
Painted bits and pieces



And the tiger itself



Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Mike]

That looks great. Nice work.

[Andyman]

Great job

[Canadian_Zuk]

WOW! great job! Your Tiger looks nice and clean.

[mxrider4life847]

UPDATE!!

Well, it's been a lengthy process, and not exactly a priority at the time . However, I am making headway. I ended up making an .032 shim for the cylinder base. After some minor calculations, I found that this would be my best option. Some photos of the process below.

I also wanted to adapt the larger 18mm spark plug to the more common 14mm plug. I purchased an adapter and slightly modified it for a flush fitment into the head. I went with an NGK BR8EIX which is the same plug I run in my dirtbike. I like to keep things simple .

I went and picked up the Terra Tiger from storage a few weeks ago. Boy she needs a little more lovin than I remembered, or maybe being an established airplane mechanic, I've become more of a perfectionist. Anyhow, first things first, I had to drop the engine in to see if she'd run.... Poured a little gas in the chamber and she fired right up... Then died. I seem to be having a a carb issue, it feels like it's trying to pump fuel, but not quite metering it. Like a stuck needle. I'll dig into that more soon.

The starter/ign switch didn't work. I took it out and dissasembled it. There are 3 springs inside that hold a little ball that makes contact with the switch contacts when rotated. I took the springs out, slightly "re-stretched" them and re assembled. Works good as new now, but prob won't last forever. I am going to re-wire everything. It's an extremely simple system and shouldn't take more than a couple hours.

A few things I need to address before I'm ready to take er out, had a small little misshap with the recoil starter. One of the pawl springs broke. Found a set on eBay for $10! I still need to figure out what I'm going to do for a fuel tank. Still thinking spun aluminum tank sitting on top of a homemade cradle. I'm replacing the headlight, with a new one 4411-1 lamp. The flexible exhaust pipe that runs from the header to the muffler extension is way to big and leaking exhaust. And of course, it needs tires! Not looking fwd to that. And lastly, I'll have the seat re-made.

Otherwise, I'll keep trucking. Hope all is well.

[Hercules222]

That motor looks GREAT! Your trade shows through for sure! I am sure you will have the rest of it looking just as good soon. Those carbs don't pump a lot of fuel so if the tank is a long distance from the motor it can take a few tries to get it primed up. It helps to elevate the fuel tank for a few minutes before starting to try and force a little fuel through the lines. Great job, and good luck with the rest of your build!!

[Andyman]

Your work and posts get me fired up about getting mine finished. I need a tank also, so more pics of what you decide to got with.

What bike do you ride? I trail ride every Sunday

[mxrider4life847]

man this time change is a beating! I'm thrown off big time, as usual. But I do love having extra daylight for when I get off work, problem is, my after work activities / projects double!

Thank you guys for the compliments. A few weeks ago I tinkered with it a little and realized that I was not getting any fuel to the float chamber, pulled it apart, pump side was wet, fuel metering side was dry as a bone. Turns out, I had some baking soda powder packed into the fuel inlet port. shame on me, I was convinced that I had cleared everything out. It even passed the pop off test! Anywho, reassembled the carb and she fired right up without a gurgle.

Last sat afternoon I decided I'd take it out for a "quick" spin ( never happens ). Ended up playing around on it all day. Did some carb tuning and became very pleased with the overall operation. Steering clutches could use some rework, and a new belt will go in also.

Still contemplating the fuel tank issue. I'm thinking a 10x15 spun aluminum. Specifically one with a sight gauge and remote filler fitting. But they seem to be hard to find with these options. I was originally trying my hardest to find one with the outlet fitting on the side, but after thinking it through, as much as the rear end swings around, and the Long distance between tank and engine, in order to better prevent vapor lock ( fuel bubbles ) I will get one with the bung mounted in the center. Probably mount it 1.5" off the belly so that I will have space for a 90 degree fitting to run the line. I think the gravity feed will work well. I will mount a metal fuel shutoff, along with a cleanable inline fuel filter somewhere around the ign coil mount. Will see how it plays out.

I did find a replacement seat cushion from sandy lake implement. Anyone have some insight or experience with this? I have not contacted them for availability yet, but they seem to have them in stock. Fairly reasonable price as well.

Then there is still a tire problem. Anyone with some wheels/tires they would like to let go of?! Best option? Are the rawhide III the way to go? They just don't seem too forgiving. But maybe they are the best way to go. They do look good with some black rims.

As usual, here are a few shots of the tiger and maybe a video if I can get it to work.

Andyman, that's awesome that you ride every Sunday. I try to get out as much as I can. I raced for 8 years and it was a beating. But it's in my blood and I will never give it up. I do mostly stick to cross country. I ride an 05 YZ250. Picked it up in 04 brand new and it's been the most reliable bike I've ever had. Ditched the 4 stroke and never looked back! Although the new yz450x is extremely tempting.

http://s3.photobucket.com/user/scooter842/media/terra%20tiger/13FA1758-E7C0-4373-927C-35067B222AC5.mp4.html

[Mike]

Thanks for sharing the photo/video. I enjoyed watching your 360 in the gravel. It looks like fun.