IH Mcormick-Deering LA value

Serial # LA A33253 (which I thinhk is from 1938).
It has the Wico AH magneto. The plug wire is pulled out of the mag (is this a problem? or will it push back in place?) It is missing the cover over the valves on the end of the head and the plug in the side of the water hopper. Muffler is also missing, all other parts appear to be there.

The engine turns free, and is faily clean (except for light grime & dust). No visable rust.

Anything else I should be looking for?

Thanks,
Ed

If you can, rotate the crank arm and listen for any noises other than a click from the impulse coupling in the mag. I should turn harder aginst the compression and should have a gentle whoosh from the valves opening (compression is a good thing). Other than pulling the inspection cover behind the flywheel, there's not much you can do to check it out. The governor gear is aluminum on ours, and was corroded from the acidic oil that remained. Pulling the cover would confirm the condition. Non running LA's and LB's are going for $300 in Texas. Not sure about asking prices for running engines. You can use a modern muffler for a Kohler engine until you find an original replacement.