I have the engine apart in my shop out of a Challenger 85C for a friend and customer. It is a 3176B with now a bad crank and head from a rod bearing spinning. So far, we've had no luck locating a good runner out of a salvage tractor. My thought now is to find a good running truck engine and swap over components (engine mounts, oil coolers, etc.). I've done this on other agriculture engine brands with a fair bit of labor and am wondering just how big a job this might end up being if we can't find a tractor takeout. Also, can the later C engine work in place of the B model?
After much searching and many calls, the only way out of this failure is a 7/8 rebuilt engine from California. A big machine shop in Dallas couldn't find a good crank or head for us to rebuild this engine with. What we have found is that the B series 3176 and parts for it seem to be in scarce supply. We found many C engines but the oil coolers wouldn't work on that block and head spacer.
The engine finally arrived. Now to install all of the accessories and then set it in the frame and get it running. The rebuild company sent no break in procedures so I may fill it with JD break in oil and have the owner pour the coal to it with a big disc for fall tillage.
Sounds like fun!