N Practicality?

After a few weeks of tinkering and tweaking (and swearing), and a measly $75 or so in parts/labor later, I've finally got my '47 2N back up and running to it's almost "normal" level from this past summer. I finally called up a local "expert" to take a look - turns out it was a slew of electrical problems that by themselves didn't amount to the trouble, but all added up they caused poor to no power / surging engine / unable to run. Whoever converted the beast to a 12V system used some ultimately questionable materials: standard automotive 12V coil connected to a "hollowed out" N coil using a 3' long composite plug wire. End diagnosis - compression was blowing out a weak spark. We finally bypassed the "wrong parts" and installed a correct 12V coil (after buying a new auto type with no luck), new points / condenser, and adjusted the carb (after removing, cleaning, and replacing at least three times).

Anyways - here's the controversy. In the analysis by the "expert" it was determined that compression on the number 3 cylinder is quite low and the new "knock" I am hearing is possibly a cracked piston at #3 which may explain the low compression as well as the small amount of "exhaust" from the oil breather/filler tube.

The estimate from locals: $1000 to have the motor refurbed, or $600 for parts and my blood, sweat, and tears. To add to that the front seal leaks like a seive and I loose a quart (or more) of hydraulic fluid each time I mow the 5 acres, as well as the hydraulic pump/piston needs to be overhauled to bring it up to snuff. All of these extras amount to quite a bit more $$$ and or time/effort - not to mention the tractor is out of comission during the overhaul.

Now I realize that the tractor is 50+ years old, and I actually enjoy the "work" it requires to maintain it - but at what point does one say it's time to move on? Can an "N" really perform everything on a daily basis reliably. We really could use a front loader to move/turn manure piles. Live hydraulics / PTO functionality would be nice especially when digging post holes - can't lift/move the digger without spinning because the PTO must be running in order for the pump to spin so that the lift arms lift....nothing new to everyone!!! Do I keep the 2N and use it for an over-glorified lawn mower and do the other chores with "big red's" (the nickname ny duaghters have givin it) assistance at best? Do I trade in or upgrade to a newer "yesterday's tractor" like a Jubilee...? Do I bite the bullet by doing the American thing and go in to debt with a new New Holland/Massey Ferguson/Kubota that covers all bases and is reliable/easy enough to use so my wife can do everything our "spread" neads while I'm traveling for work 60%-80% of the time?

I know these are all loaded questions, I guess I'm just looking for some feedback - I'm sure I'm not the only one who has gone through this.

Thanks in advance,

Andy.

My neighbor recently bought an East Indian 4wd, ps, front loader 3 cyl diesel tractor for like $10k. Sold through a US dealer.

I love my N, but can't imagine the wife muscling it around.

Since you're travelling and wife needs to run the tractor (am I correct?), you might consider the new tractor.

I'd keep the N...it's not worth the few $$ to sell it.

good luck!

I too was seduced by the call of a new tractor. However, the 15 thou it would cost made it all the easier. So you sink cash into it? Why else would a 50+ yr old still be running? Besides, you can pick up a 801 for less than 5 thou and then, the best of all possible outcomes, you have two tractors.

I did not answer you Q: much but hope this helps make a good choice.

JimNC

Heres the deal. Its the economics of it. Right now, ya gotts about a $1500 tractor thats worth about $1000. Ya sinks $1500 for engine rebuild, its new worth is about $2000. Yer still $500 innna hole.

Of course, there is the "therapeutic" value of doing it yourself..... ....Dell

It will likely last a lot longer too. N tractors were so overengineered that most of them are still running strong after half a century, which is a lot more that you'll ever be able to say about that shiny new Kubota. Same goes for parts availability.

Maybe it comes down to the need for the newer bells and whistles for you, but there are other intangibles. I don't know if you've got a son, but I'd sure rather leave mine some historic American iron than an pile of offshore orange sheet metal.

The usual disclaimer.....I have no connection with N Complete. I've just seen some of their work.