The totally unofficial old-ass tractor thread

[Dirty Duc]

So, like any red-blooded Arizonan, I own a tractor.

None of this pansy Northern Tool mail-order 4wd, reliable stuff that costs a second mortgage. Nope, '49 Farmall M.

OBTW, old farmers didn't believe in dipsticks or sight glasses. If the oil doesn't dribble out the hole, you need more.

So, a .020 under crank it is. This leads me to dealing with the kind of people that work in the stores that still sell stuff for antique tractors. Spoiler alert: they all talk real slow. And they have just discovered the internets and don't do it very well. So I have 2 sets of standard rod and main bearings, and one set of .010 unders (because the crank guy doesn't do communication well).

Since I'm into the crank, I might as well chuck the olde bores and get new ones that are an 1/8th bigger (dry sleeves)... and with pop-up pistons... and a head refresh (new valves, guides, springs). I buggered three of the guides on install, but only one was obvious. The reamer showed the other two.

It became known around the house as "the project that never ends" complete with song.

Today, 4 slugs in holes, crank and cam in the block (now if I can just find the bolts for the cam holder thing), valves in the head with springs. The end is in sight just in time to mow the anticipated weeds.

[Rameses]

You kids, with your new-fangled M models. 

[Dirty Duc]

M for monster... ðŸ˜,

[Rameses]

M for monster... ðŸ˜,

Like Honest Abe...

I cannot tell a lie.


The FC isn't actually mine.

Picture was from the night it spent in my driveway while I was hauling it to an auction for a buddy of mine a week ago.



I'll give you a picture of something older that I have tomorrow.  Again, nothing impressive

edit: grammar, sorry to disappoint

[Dirty Duc]

I've heard even on the "new" tractors that the under-belly mowers are a pain to hook up.

I guess I should take pictures, but mine is kind of strewn across the yard in bits still.

[Rameses]

There's the other one I mentioned.

It's a '47 Ford 2N.

[Speedbag]

I had one of those little old Fords (only in a little better shape), they're neato. 

[Dirty Duc]

The block is re-attached to the main tractor piece. Now to hang the rest of the engine bits on it.

[Rameses]

I've always hated working on tractors.

With no frame, anything that requires separating the engine and transmission is a serious pain in the ass.

[Dirty Duc]

And everything is absurdly heavy.

The engine is too heavy for the engine stand and right at the limit for the cherry-picker if it is only partially assembled.

It needed to come off for any number of reasons, but the throwout bearing was one of them.

[ducpainter]

I need to split my old Massey. Needs a clutch and is getting really tired power wise.

Still cheaper than replacing, and everything today is more of a portable hydraulic unit than a tractor.

[Dirty Duc]

There's the other one I mentioned.

It's a '47 Ford 2N.

I just noticed it is guarding what looks like a pair of motorcycle mufflers!

[Rameses]

I just noticed it is guarding what looks like a pair of motorcycle mufflers!

Yeah. Those're a couple of stock stainless KTM cans.

Those bastards weigh about 50 lbs apiece.

[Dirty Duc]

My favorite part of working on old tractors is the manual... where it says something to the effect of, "If it isn't immediately obvious, step away from the tractor. We're not going to waste time telling you to unscrew the five screws."

[Speeddog]

Yeah. Those're a couple of stock stainless KTM cans.

Those bastards weigh about 50 lbs apiece.

You're making a gravity well, I'd be careful with that if I were you.