Nothing like getting the shaft

cutter88 · February 19, 2015, 09:27:38 PM

Decided to update our welder a few weeks back and bought a used Millar bobcat 250 only had. 600hrs on it looked mint , after I got it home I noticed when I'd start it it would shut right back off like the oil pressure switch was broke, turns out it has no oil pressure motors shot so I paid $3000 for a welder that needs a $2500 engine,
Good times

RayMO · February 19, 2015, 09:40:33 PM

Should be able to rebuild for less but it sounds like you have the same kinda luck as I on used equipment.

shortlogger · February 19, 2015, 10:20:52 PM

I think I would wanna have a talk with the guy who sold it to you .

SwampDonkey · February 20, 2015, 05:25:31 AM

Around these parts used stuff is priced like gold to begin with, unless it's a $500 Chevy that needs $3500 of work. :D I've seen lots of fellas buy old warn out pickups around here and constantly spend money on them even if they do it themselves. A good reason the buy new, if I'm going to be constantly paying out to keep something running, might as well be money on a new one. Not everyone finds a chevy that stayed in the owner's garage most of the time. Mom's uncle was like that. He had a pickup that was 12 years old with 4000 km, not miles. His grandson inherited it and totalled it within a week. ;D

ForestFox · February 20, 2015, 07:27:23 AM

I found I get burned on used equipment a lot less if I try it before I buy it. That goes for skidders, dozers and heavy equipment especially and they need to get actually worked. You most always buy someone else's problems, you just have a better idea how big they are. In my opinion the guy knew what he was selling you and was way less than honest. It wasen't an auction where you know you are buying a pig in a poke, and just bid like you were paying for poke only! Shameful! Every dog has his day!

coxy · February 20, 2015, 07:41:44 AM

but isn't it kind of your fault for not trying it out first

jocco · February 20, 2015, 07:50:43 AM

Got to agree with coxy on this. Its different if you paid $400 not running. If its private sale and not a dealer its under the as is clause

What kind of engine is it an onan or one with a diesel (If so you are really @#$%^&) >:(

sawguy21 · February 20, 2015, 09:58:19 AM

That was an expensive lesson. :'(

Polish Hammer · February 20, 2015, 11:21:36 AM

600 hours and the motor is shot ? how do you know this ? did you hook up a manual gauge to see if it make oil pressure ? what does the oil look like on the dip stick? what were the conditions of your sale ? was it in running condition? lots of questions that need to be answered.

cntryby · February 20, 2015, 12:28:35 PM

Quote from: cutter88 on February 19, 2015, 09:27:38 PM
Decided to update our welder a few weeks back and bought a used Millar bobcat 250 only had. 600hrs on it looked mint , after I got it home I noticed when I'd start it it would shut right back off like the oil pressure switch was broke, turns out it has no oil pressure motors shot so I paid $3000 for a welder that needs a $2500 engine,
Good times

Does it have the pressure switch pre or post filter?
Have you pulled the pan to look for any debris blocking the pick up?
How did you determine it has no oil pressure?
Have you done a compression test?

Dave Shepard · February 20, 2015, 12:33:39 PM

Is there a button you have to hold until it gets up to pressure like a Murphy switch on a chipper?

thenorthman · February 20, 2015, 09:50:37 PM

Quote from: cutter88 on February 19, 2015, 09:27:38 PM
Decided to update our welder a few weeks back and bought a used Millar bobcat 250 only had. 600hrs on it looked mint , after I got it home I noticed when I'd start it it would shut right back off like the oil pressure switch was broke, turns out it has no oil pressure motors shot so I paid $3000 for a welder that needs a $2500 engine,
Good times

Well... barring any simple filter/oil pump issues.

If its an onan a rebuild isn't to bad on one of em, parts are usually available, and as a bonus light! Most of those had sleeved cylinders or replaceable cylinders, bearings are a breeze... pull the motor roll it around on the shop bench for a couple hours and you have a working engine again... Just don't get smart with the governor... leave it alone or put it back the way you found it... Since its a welder you'll probably need to adjust the high idle, I think it takes a special hertz meter thing so you can get the phase correct... (personally never cared much as long as the arc looks good and whatever light I'm using doesn't burn up instantly...)

Still a bad deal though...

Would it be possible to yard the motor off yer old welder and swap em for a bit?

cutter88 · February 21, 2015, 02:54:26 PM

I started it in the guys garage ran great welded with it for 10 min, brought it home put it in the service truck about a week went but went to use it it would start then shut right off so we thought just a sensor so I took it in to a very reputable place that works on them they put an manual oil pressure gauge and it had none.

coxy · February 21, 2015, 03:21:27 PM

that sucks I did that with a 8k truck took it for a ride got it up to temp every thing was great the next day put it on the road and drove 4.2m and rod went through the block they cobbed a rod bearing in it and sent it down the road took them to court and was found to be on me I test drove it I never test drive a used car or truck anymore after that and its always in the paper work that the truck or car was never test drove don't know if it will ever help but when the judge said it was my fault for driving it and saying it was good so I do feel for ya you never said you ran it and welded with it sorry if I sounded a little harsh

Skidder Kev · February 21, 2015, 03:57:34 PM

that sucks cutter, I hope you can get it fixed for cheaper then you figured but once you have it rebuilt you know what you have.

How has the winter logging been going for you guys up north?

jocco · February 21, 2015, 04:32:57 PM

88 I question some of this, If it ran for awhile with NO oil the rods/mains and so on would be acting up. Wont touch the reputable shop but a second opinion might be in order. Has all the small issues been ruled out???what about water or ice check valve, pressure relief stuck? Also what kind of engine is it??? I know you got to be hot about it but it may not be $2500 to repair. As others said seeking restitution from an individual is pointless. good luck let us know what you find.

lopet · February 21, 2015, 07:49:51 PM

I have a feeling the guy who sold you that unit, knew exactly that there was a problem but also knew how to bypass it for at least ten minutes you have tried it. If it was low on compression he probably filled the crankcase with that engine seal stuff
( I call it honey ) , but it only last so long. Unfortunately there are a lot of people like that out there and I got caught too.
But one thing i have learned is, ask a lot of questions about it. You know like , how long he has it , first owner, any problems ,
any repairs, why are you selling it etc. If something doesn't ad up, red flags go up. I know, this is not a guarantee, but it narrows it down a bit. Maybe the rebuilt isn't all that bad, like others said.

redprospector · February 21, 2015, 09:59:02 PM

If it's the same as my Miller Bobcat 250, it has a 20 horse Kohler engine.
Sorry to hear you got the shaft, but it happens to the best of us. Pick up the pieces and keep moving toward your goal.

WH_Conley · February 21, 2015, 10:40:02 PM

I would check compression before tearing down. If it was not pumping oil that long then it will be low on compression. If compression is up then it would be something else. As mentioned before, bypass, sensor, maybe something simple broke.

Polish Hammer · February 22, 2015, 02:05:47 PM

I had a few small engines in generators that just stopped due to no oil pressure. dropped the oil and the pan and seen that the oil pick up was cracked or broke off, or mounting bolts were loose and it was pulling air not oil. easy fixes and if it has the oil pressure shut down you probably didnt do any damage to the engine.