Posted by WellWorn on December 25, 2009 at 09:06:42 from (208.20.34.159):
Greetings all. New here to post, but this isn't my first visit. It seems nearly every question I google on the Super A comes up with this forum for a best possible answer. Kudos on having the very best site for info, parts and community for Yesterday's Tractors.
I acquired a 1951 Super A a year ago in a "do a guy a favor" deal (can we say "ouch"?), and I know it needed some work, but it did what I needed it to at the time, and find that it really is a handy little tractor. It's finally gotten to the point that something has to be done - I'm just wondering at what point to stop.
Some prior owner let the block apparently freeze and it cracked across most of the manifold side. Prior repair was brazing on the rear half, and "bondo" on the front half (the whole patch painted red, of course), where it had started leaking again. I have successfully done some welding on cast before, but with the braze already in place, I'm wondering if I should just continue the braze, or try to find a replacement block (getting into more work and expense than I need at the moment). Besides, I'll be needing to use it again in a week or so.
Another thing, it's been 'blowing by' and getting worse, as evidenced by the oil blown through the oil breather when under load. It also started leaking oil from the head gasket on the distributer side. Figuring the head had to be pulled anyway, I'd check the liners for wear, and they look ok (no noticeable wear ridge at top of cylinder). Oil pressure seems good (mid range on gauge), so the bearings are probably still serviceable.
There has been a lot of soot in the exhaust system, and there is substantial carbon build up on the (flat head) pistons and head, which says to me "valve guides and seals".
So, in your expert opinions, would a set of rings and valve overhaul be sufficient, or is this block worth doing a major on? What are the pros/cons of replacing the flat pistons with step heads (will 6v still crank it cold? cleaner combustion? possible cooling problems with the thermosiphon system?) What would be the chance of finding a c123 block with a water pump to put in it? Would the radiator need to be replaced too?
There are other issues with the touchcontrol, and rear end noise (in reverse), but those seem less of an issue at the moment.
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