Re: Tractor sat for 30 years but turns, now what?

Posted by Bama Binder on May 22, 2003 at 21:37:22 from (68.159.165.32):

In Reply to: Tractor sat for 30 years but turns, now what? posted by Travis on May 22, 2003 at 21:04:52:

Well...a lot of things. If the engine spins freely, I would consider giving it a compression test...I would first put in several tablespoons of Marvel Mystery Oil day or so before and spin the engine over to get some oil moving and slick up the cylinder walls. Then test for compressionusing the starter motor to crank it with the ignition grounded or disconected. if you have a weak cylinder or no compression, now is the time to know.

If compression is suspect, I would also consider pulling the valve cover off and looking at the valve operation and if they all work (they have a nasty habit of sticking after long periods of non use (ask me how I know), then compression problems may be in the piston rings. If one or two are weak, you can drop the oil pan amd pull head and put new rings on the suspect pistons and if the pistons look OK, but them back in.

While you have the oil pan off and even if you don't have to take it off, I probably would. Clean out any sludge and since this tractor has set up 30 years I think that is a good idea. You can also inspect the bottom end for damage, spun bearings, corrosion, etc. If everything looks OK, clean her up, slip in a new gasket and button her up and put oil back in. A new filter would be good.

I have had to go through the fuel system from tank to manifold and rebuild the carb...time and money well spent. I would go ahead and put in new plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, points and condensor. You may want to have the coil tested.

Once all that is done, fond top dead center on #1 on the compression stroke and ground the #1 spark plug against the block. Assuming you have her firing, turn on the ignition. A simple way to make sure she is firing at TDC at low idle is to fing the timing mark and ground the plug where you can see the timing mark and the spark plug. If it fires when the timing mark is hit, all is well. If not, line up the pointer with the timing mark and havean assistant loosen and rotate the distributor until the plug fires. Then they will be esentially timed close enough to start and run.

I think it pretty much goes without saying that fresh oil, gas, radiator topped off.

Once running, then changing the transmission fluid, greasing all the fittings, etcneeds to be done. Obviosly this is just tha basics and others will no doubt have some other suggestions.

BB

Follow Ups:

Post A Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Re: Re: Tractor sat for 30 years but turns, now what? Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]