Most likely it was tipped over on its side and the oil leaked into the cylinder before they got it back onto its tracks , and they started the engine with out turning it over by hand and it hydraulically locked when they turned it over with the starter bending the rod . That would be my guess that why there is no evidence of valve damage or head gasket damage. Some don’t know that the motor oil will seep past the oil rings when the motor is on its side , they just lift the machine back onto it tracks and try starting it .And bang they bend a rod . The starter has a lot of power to do that kind of damage. Price out a cylinder kit and compare the cost because some times the cylinder kit is just a few dollars more than a single piston. Good luck and keep on giving her . Oh good video on what can be not so simple of a fix .

What a bummer on a good deal that turned out to be a whole lot of hassle- amazing mechanical skills and troubleshooting

That pin extraction was masterful! I sat on the edge of my seat :)

I was impressed watching that homemade puller 👍🏻

You got $2000 knocked off it. You are a master mechanic. Fix it and drive on. You could be a landscaper with zero engine knowledge, then you’d really be crying the blues. You should be thankful you got a problem child because it is a great episode. You got $2000 knocked off the price for a reason, and now you have an episode that is probably worth some good KZfaq dollars. On top of it you are now an expert on your machine too! You are ahead in the game! Look forward to the next episode Jess.

So ... when the seller told you _"it needs all new filters"_ - what he *_meant_* to say is the fuel filter system is completely disabled/bypassed/removed/gone. To-may-toe, to-mah-toe. 🤣

Pretty clever gettin that broken piece out Jesse, good job.

Dude... I couldn't walk away from the video.... waiting to see the cause of the problem. Very captivating process. Can't wait for the long follow-up video. Bravo sir.

Hi Jesse, i'm no engineer but i have been around bikes, cars, trucks and buses for most of my 81years. Your video explains exactly what you are doing here and i find it very easy to understand what you are doing. Thank you for showing us what you are doing, its very interesting. Love those tracked skid steers, amazing machines. Uncle Bob. NZ (Old soldier, old highway cop).

Bent rod = hydro locked, diesel fuel filled the cylinder, bent rod when it started. Have all the injectors rebuilt or replace.

Your ingenuity and patience know no bounds. Awesome job on the puller.

This quality video, with you walking through the diagnosis, beats two weeks of turn-key projects. Yes, it's no fun for you but viewers benefit from seeing the fabrication and ingenuity involved.

I would say, just go for the new piston, rings, connecting rod, hone they cylinder, and if possible rod bearing. Clean the head, and make sure the valves are all seating properly still. Then run it. IF there is more wrong than that, you've lost nothing by doing this work. Even if the crank was bent, you'd have to pull then engine and get a replacement, or full rebuild. The way the engine sounds, I think you're going to be ok with just the repair. If there are people on here with experience rebuilding these engines, I'm sure they have more info to help you.

I always like how you show and explain your thinking. It is a bummer that you have to do the fix, but you can and that is a lot more than others would do. They would have to take it to a repair shop and pay big bucks in labor. I can't say which route you should take to fix it but I look forward toy your next video. I am extremely happy I found your channel!

I am not the least bit mechanical, watching you repair/fabricate is extremely enjoyable

Drop the pan, change the rod and reuse the bearings on the new rod. New piston and rings, hone the cylinder and put it back together. I'd say it got tipped forward down a hill and oil filled the front cylinder. Then hydrolocked it when the hourly help fired it back up. It's a lot of $ and time to fix now, but you'll make it back quick in a few small jobs. Plus, track machines in good running condition are hot now if you decide to cut bait once it's fixed.

Jesse, I am no mechanic, but I am a believer that "while you are in there" go ahead and do it right. Nothing could be worse than having to go back in and replace more parts. I will see your decision in the next video. Have good days!

The scene of the extraction at 28:20 was like watching castaway when he was trying to start a fire. Awesome work dude you put in maximum effort and are an incredible mechanic, gettin things done!!!

Hydraulik lock by tipping the machine over and start it without draining the cylinders. So they bend the pushrod of that cylinder. A lot of work but with your skills possible to repair. I am sure that you can fix it and then have a reliable machine. Your a good guy and it is always a pleasure to watch your videos. Fingers crossed for your repair ✌️🇩🇪

I work at a shop that rebuilds gasoline engines. I would say check the bearings. If they bearings look like they don’t have any wear on them then I see absolutely no reason to change the rest of the bearings or worry about the rods and pistons on the other 3 cylinders. My opinion would be replace that one rod and call it a day. I would get head checked before reinstalling it. I’ve had bent valves that looked closed all the way and weren’t seating because they were slightly bent. As far as what caused the issue I’m not sure. But I find it hard to believe it hit the valves and bent. Those valves are very small and if it hit one and bent it far enough I could see it but without any obvious piston damage or valve damage I doubt that bent the rod. Other guys said hydro lock from flipping on its side. Seems like that is most likely the cause. Great video.

Very impressive extraction - I was waiting for the threaded rod to strip.....

Jesse, I would have gone for a 5-hour video. You are so amazing in how resourceful and brave you are. I look forward to seeing your next episode of repairing the track loader. I'm sure that with all the effort you're putting into this, you will get a good return, even if it isn't exactly financially. I'm confident in you. 😆

Watched this the other day. Came back to like and comment on it after logging in. Brilliant work, Jesse. You're a crafty fellow. Look forward to the next installment on this loader... and upcoming house build videos, when you have more updates.

Spend the money on a full engine rebuild, fresh motor on that machine and your good to go for 10 years or more, you will make it all back 10 x's on future jobs. great video

Give it a good jet wash 👍 & sort that crappy fuel line that you found out the 1st time. Good video 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

I'm praying for you man. I hope the seller sees this video and his conscience makes him try to make it good. If he doesn't, then just don't ever give him any more of your business and warn your friends too.

I've watched so many of your videos and your inner calm and resourcefulness are impressive.

Jesse, a few things from this nightmare.. For one, put that bridge guide on your trophy shelf bro! I was holding my breath on that one! Those small victories feel so good! Second as many have commented, the motor was probably hydro locked at some point bending the rod. I say that because at work we had a high school helper that thought it would be funny to fill the exhaust with water on our Kubota mower so he could "spray" another kid while cranking it up.... well guess what?? a bent rod on a mower that had barely 200 hours on it! Same symptoms you have and only lost maybe an eighth inch of stroke on that one. Missing and white smoke.. Replaced the one rod and she's running like a champ. Same piston and rings. I believe some gaskets and a new rod will get 'er choochin' on all 4 again! Maybe see if you can install the manifolds on the head before installing to possibly make it easier on you, heavier, but maybe easier.. Amazing how little of a stroke change on those little diesels can goof them up! Good luck buddy!

How you pulled out that guide was genious!

Jesse, bite the bullet, fix and use it. You bought it the way it was. Mate you have the skills to repair it and trouble shoot any problems that may arise. When its fixed at least you will know how good it is. While you have it apart I would replace what is needed and get it back together and get it working. The down side is it needs repairing, the upside is you have the skills to repair it. Love the vids. Bravo from Victoria Australia

I love these videos and your honesty about cost of equipment and repairs.

"im selling it cheap cause it doesnt run well, it just needs filters though" how can someone say that stuff with a straight face.. if that were the case theyd put the filters on it and double the price.. no ones throwing 6 grand away to spite 30 minutes work and 300$ in filters same kind of person who says something just needs a battery and when you show up with a good battery to fit the excuses start rolling out and they curse you off the property as if you were the one trying to rip them off

Good video. Tracking down the culprit. And amazingly, as aggravated as you must have been at times, no cussing, no yelling at the kids, and no complaining about the camera being in your way. It is still puzzling that disconnecting the injector made no difference.

Really glad you kept at it and fixed it to the point of "let's see how it goes". I think you are a natural mechanic knowing when to dig deeper. Nice work.

Good job extracting the broken part. Honestly, I didn't expect the drill to even cut it much less the tap. Looks really hard. Bummer on the bent rod. Yes, I would be suspicious of the rings in that cylinder.

Always enjoy your explanations and how you are solving the problems with this piece of equipment!

great video. I feel bad about your troubles but what a reward sharing what you did and learned. You have no idea how this helps the guys out here that don't know zip, like me! I am wanting a tracked skid steer and learning all I can about the possible issues from you and all the other guys on youtube that deal with them is a great treasure. I hope it all goes well and you make many times what you paid for this machine back with the work you can do with it.

Excellent videography and sound… felt like we were leaning over your shoulder and watching. What a job - you have meticulous skill and attention detail.

"it's not that much work" Kinda of understatement Jess

Late to the game on this video but that extraction technique was amazing and I know sometime in the next few decades it's going to come back into my mind and save me. On to watch part 2 now!

Feel for you, I know it is a bunch of unplanned work ahead for you, but look on the bright side, I get to enjoy another video with you making it work. Thank you, really enjoy your videos. Looking forward to more work on your house too.

At this point, the logical thing to do is rebuild the motor complete. Pull it out, get crank checked, hone cylinders, replace rod, bearings, rings - you will have new engine and the machine will last for many years. Put in the work, put in the money.

I eco C.A. Ryan. I am a Mechanic and Ryan is spot on. You have two options the way I see it. Budget build or full rebuild. Minimum I would do is: replace bent rod, hone all cylinders and replace rings on all pistons. Clean and inspect all pistons, big end bearings and maybe pull a couple of main caps to inspect bearings.....replace as required. If it ant broke don't replace it. Now you said you found a newer and better machine......keep an eye out and eventually buy one and sell this one. This machine will come up good with a budget rebuild. That's my 2 cents worth..old video so I will now watch your next few on this machine and see what you did to fix it. cheers Stew.

Great resilience Jesse, it looks like someone has been tampering with the machine. I'd personally replace the con rod and piston only within that cylinder. You've just done 5 grands worth of work on that machine. I'd be asking the seller for some cash back

If it were me, at this point before I did any more work on this motor I would price out a good used motor. You still would have to actually examine the bottom end to determine the full extent of the damage and you might still find spaghetti crankshaft. Minimum a new rod and rings, and bearings.

Praying for you Mr. Jesse Muller! Keep up the great work and thanks for taking us along!

I was ecstatic at the beginning of the video because I have been waiting on you to add a CTL to the fleet for a quite a while now, but by the end of it I was wore slap out from all the drama and suspense this purchase has brought you! I was proud to see that extraction! It has definitely been said in the past that you are incredibly patient and resilient and it still holds true. I’m sorry you missed-out on the deal that came just after that purchase, but honestly I believe the whole situation is gonna work out down the road. You do a great job no matter what it is that you do brother. Keep on gettin’ after it!

Alright @Jesse Muller - here's what (I think) happened. Fuel filter removed at some point let BS thru the line. The #1 injector got clogged/stuck - it leaked bad and put enough diesel liquid in the cyl that at a start up or rev up, the piston pushed up and tried to compress the liquid which aint happenin (we all know this - oil too). The liquid pressure forced the exhaust valve closed at the wrong time causing the breakage of the valve bridge. At the same moment, the rod had to bend since the diesel liquid cant be compressed. (could have happened from oil in a rollover as well) By a miracle it semi-ran for a little bit. If you didn't stop and work on it... the engine would likely be a total loss. Please have the injectors cleaned and flow tested. Notice you can see the spray pattern from them, but that varnish on the side of the cyl wall makes me concerned that its still not spraying properly.

Great mechanic skills, you followed the issues in a methodical way. So it going to be in great shape when you pass it on! Thank you for sharing.

Love everything Jessie posts, fun to watch

At some point with skid steers it's worth just yanking the engine. I'd say you're getting close to that point. Nice job on the diagnostics. I definitely know the feeling of losing sleep over something like this, and also not wanting to wait on a tool to ship to find out what's going on

Really enjoyed video and your clarity and diagnostics were brilliant. Sorry that it is a bit more trouble than you thought it would be but am really looking forward to the next video. The comments are really interesting. You have good, wise and articulate followers. Thanks.

Amazing deductive skills, persistence and methodical patience ! Even with $17,000 at stake, it is an impressive testament to your awesome abilities ! Bravo ! BTW, I watched Part 2 before Part 1, and learned the answer early, but I wanted to find out how you got to the answer !

Wow, you really pushed on through every problem, great video. I think between you and Andrew, you are responsible for 99% of the "I had to weld a nut on" videos on YT 😸

I swear You & Andrew can do absolutely anything! Very Impressive 👍🏻

Jesse I'm not a mechanic and would sure not advise you on what to do. Like you said you rolled the dice, and it is what it is. I sure admire your ability to work on this equipment and analyze engine performance. At this point you have no choice but to keep going and fix the engine. For my two cents I would fix the one cylinder and take my chances on the rest of the engine being ok. I think the odds are in your favor of the engine being ok. A non-mechanic perspective. Nice job on the close-up video recording. It looks like it will be a good machine once you get it back together. I hope you get the same perspective from other viewers with the necessary knowledge. Nice call on seeing the difference between the two cylinders. I wonder how many others would have missed this clue.

Great job on that miniature puller you made to get that broken pin out! I didn't think that would be possible but thanks to you I have a new tool in my mental toolbox! Great job on everything else as well!

My father always taught me if you’re going to get into something and start working on it finish it right. He’d probably recommend going through it all the way. I don’t think that’s always necessary. Given what this machine‘s put you through already though I would probably close the door on it by finishing it right. If the cylinder walls aren’t damaged I would hone them. I would definitely have the head gone through clean the seats up etc. anyways you’re a hell of a mechanic. It’ll be fun watching what you do.

I would have to agree with what Colin stated. At the beginning of the video, My husband stated it had a lot to do with the injector. Some smart thinking with the homemade puller. With all that you have done in the years that I have been watching, not too much surprises me anymore, and always enjoy the videos. Like Andrew, your amazing, at the skills you have and are teaching your older son, on and off, and all that you have been learning along the way, and the patience for it all. Looking forward to the next part of this video and others in the future.

U Da Man JM - you now have $10k in knowledge you did not have b4 + a great attitude

Smart work with pulling that pin and great diagnostic skills getting to this point. Like your idea of pulling and re-working parts for that cylinder only. Great video, can't wait until follow up👍✌

Kudos for your patience and determination. Seems like we're always trying to measure whether or not we get a good deal trying to create the expectation during the transactions. You are so very blessed to have that drive, knowledge and experience with determination to fix it. Experience can be the best teacher of all. I'm done with purchasing something because it seems like a good deal And have walked away from two tractors which were ridiculously low priced. No regrets! whatsoever!

Jesse, absolutely love this video. I have an older Case skid steer sitting in my shop. it has been a number of years since it has had any major service done on it. I have already ID'd that I will be replacing seals in all of the hydraulic rams. Have to repair a couple of the seals leading out to the tires. I have some kind of leak of hydraulic oil down by the main pump - so will be taking many of the lines out to inspect them and replace what needs it. Lastly, I will be taking the head off the engine in this unit because I fear it too has a blown seal. So, I am really enjoying watching what you are doing - It is priming me up for what I will have to do.

Tech for Deere here, awesome video, been thinking about doing this kinda thing with the skid steers, tractors and dozers I work on. At our shop I would quote out a full rebuild to the customer since the motors gonna have to be pulled anyways, if it were me in your position I’d probably do rod bearings, piston arms, pistons and rings and let her ride on. Like I said cool video, can’t wait for a part 2 👍🏻🤘🏼

FILTER SYSTEM RULE: Before the transfer pump ----COURSE----30 Micron or a screen. Never less than 15. After the transfer pump --- FINE----2 to 10 micron. Depends on manufacture recommendation. Some Injectors have a filter too, so this help determine the FINE filter. All PRIMARY FILTERS are on the SUCTION side. All SECONDARY FILTERS are on the PRESSURE side. DO not even think of using that 2 micron filter in a PRIMARY location, Never, never, never!!!

Hello Jesse!!!! It is always such a great learning experience watching your videos Brother. My best wishes to you & your beautiful family!!! Your friend Larry C

I don’t know which is better. Watching you build or mechanics but I love watching your channel!

Jessie, you may not realise it now, but the relationship you have with your brothers is exceptonally precious. Treasure them.

Really glad u made a video of this Jesse I’ve been patiently waiting!!

Good cautionary tale for those less mechanically inclined. Engine running rough could be something simple, but it could be an engine tear down. I am confident you will get it worked out, and looking forward to the next video.

It was a tough journey for you, but great content for us. Waiting for part 2. Thanks Jesse.

You are competent and will do what's necessary. Best of luck along the way.

Great bit of work Jessie, hopefully you get away with just replacing one con rod, as you say there was no knocking so hopefully no other damage to the crank. Wishing you all the luck with it.

That was very interesting. I'm not a trained mechanic, so I'll be silent on what to do. Good lucky Jesse.

Great diagnostic work and positive attitude I would have been out of my mind, great video and best of luck I’m looking forward to the conclusion.

Jesse, your wealth of knowledge is astounding. You are great at teaching, btw.

Jesse, Think of it this way, when you’re done fixing it you’ll know it’s great work and will last your lifetime! Hope you can get all the attachments, like Andrew has!

Seriously impressive to get the sheared rod out of the press fit. Took a lot of patience and ingenuity.

Getting that broken stud/guide out was impressive! Clever getting the shaving from drilling out with a magnet. Could have also taped up the whole section except for a 3/8 hole for the drilling, like they do surgeries if you know what I mean - I know, easy to say when watching :D But really I was sitting at the edge of my seat watching that :p

I thought i was a handy guy, x machinist, auto body and mechanic...but you are one very smart, adaptable and patient guy.... Love this channel and was looking forward to a build, but this is better... Stay positive...

Congrats on the new machine!

I’d check everything b 4 putting it back on. That’s b 4 replacing the entire thing, make sure there’s no cracks, scratches or anything. But if you do find something wrong it least you know what to replace it with. You’re very talented in fixing things Jesse. Keep up the great work as well.

Excellent video, really enjoy how you problem solve mechanical issues, looking forward to part 2

17 Grand?!?! My God I didn't think those tractors where that expensive. 17 Grand for somebody else's problems. I totally feel for you bro. But thank you for the video though, it's pretty cool getting away from the auto repair and watching some tractor work. Hopefully you can get it up a running good again. Can't wait for part 2!

nice job ,amazing how you got the pin out.didnt know their was a pattern to remove bolts on the heads learned something new thanks

nICE WORK MAN, you and Andrew produce the most killer content on diesel maitenance.

Jesse!! I am very impressed every time I watch your videos and especially with how professional, knowledgeable and thorough you are in the trades. From one former Adirondack boy to another, you are a very hard worker! Please continue documenting your talents so that I can watch the work and spy a few glances of the Adirondack woodlands in the background.

Happy Easter. Great troubleshooting. Doing it with what you got that’s awesome. You got the right idea just do the one cylinder like you were saying and you’ll be just fine. Great video

Great job extracting the broken part. I'll be waiting to see what happens in part 2!

Jesse, I would have lost my but on the stud, the clean break made me think it was harden. I was surprised to see shavings come off the drill. I wasn’t going to blame you for trying. I love watching and listening to your train of though as you work through the problems. Stay safe

That was one hell of a save getting that stud out ! But i seen you pull off some crazy broken things and got so lucky at fixing them !

I learn something new every time I watch Jesse. Thanks.

Good luck with this engine Jessie, want to see it running soon and come back building your sweet ICF home!

I’m sorry for your troubles, but thanks for the vid. I’ve got to pull the valve cover off of mine, and I’ve been dreading dealing with the fuel lines, you make it look easier than I feared.

I like how you don't cut corners

Thanks for an interesting video Jesse. A couple of people mentioned before that the cylinder got filled with fluid (fuel or oil) and tried to compress it. Good luck with the rebuild.

You have a lot of good advice here in the comments IMO. And you obviously know how to do the work, have the brains and skill to get that broken rod out! I'm just glad the weather is good for you to work in. Nothing more miserable than working outside when it's 25 degrees!

I love Yanmar! Great video... your knowledge always amazes me!

I would do exactly what you’re thinking. Drop the pan, replace piston/rings, replace rod and hone it. I would pop off the bearing caps to check the condition of the bearings while the pan is off and replace if needed. I’m a firm believer that a piece of equipment or vehicle needs to “earn its keep” before dropping a ton of money into it. At this point you’ve touched all the rusty bolts and crossed that bridge, so if you need to revisit something in a year or 2 after it makes you money at least it will be a lot easier.

Hey Jesse, is it me or does almost every tooth on that flywheel (if that is what you were rotating) cracked, chipped or almost broken? Any man that can be a master electrician, builder, transmission repair, diesel mechanic, concrete work, and drive a semi-truck is truly a genius.