Effectively, we have now a working tractor now! After the primary installment of our Henry’s Sizzling Rod challenge it was time for the enjoyable stuff, truly wrenching on our tractor that’s components 2N, components 9N, and components 8N to make it run. Sure, the long run plans embrace the swap of a 8BA flathead V8 into the little man however in the intervening time we needed to get this factor singing with its “manufacturing facility” engine and have some enjoyable. In spite of everything, what good is having a tractor in case you can’t do some work, cruise it round, and make folks pleased to see some residing and respiration Americana of their lives.
Right here’s what we knew after we acquired the tractor. The engine was free, the clutch as not caught, and after we hit the starter button it spun over within the sort of moaning, whirring method solely a six volt starter can present. It didn’t have any spark, although. This tractor has an 8N engine of the sooner selection. We all know that as a result of it has slightly entrance mounted distributor that’s sort of pancake formed and bolted proper to the entrance of the block. Later 8N engines used a aspect mounted distributor which is much extra “regular” trying in relation to the typical automotive engine. It’s additionally a better to set the timing and different fundamental duties as properly.
Having a freely spinning engine that was getting gasoline, we knew that the spark maker was seemingly our drawback. Was the timing off? Was it simply not put in accurately? Right here’s what we discovered:
After lifting the cowl off for straightforward entry we used the previous farmer trick of laying the plug on a head stud to floor it with the intention to examine for hearth. We had none. With such a radically merely machine we went proper to the distributor after ensuring that the entire wiring was right in that course. With the wiring verified and the coil getting vitality, forward we went.
Working with my son Tom we acquired the wrenches out and went to work. A few of you extra skilled tractor mechanics on the market could also be cringing on the truth we eliminated the radiator and fan to do that job, which isn’t totally obligatory. This was achieved at my behest as a result of (one) that is Tom’s first sort of “massive” challenge and I needed him to know how all of these items works collectively, and (two) as a result of it makes for simpler images and we’re not in a giant hurry. Just a little further work? Positive. However it has worth.
Welp, that’s robust trying, proper? The 6V coil, which is held onto the highest of the distributor with a wire bail had melted itself proper into the distributor itself. One of many issues that these previous tractors are identified to do is to soften the coil if the bottom line is left within the “on” place. Clearly that is what occurred right here. You possibly can see the fried coil in addition to the after results of the warmth permitting oil and every kind of rubbish to make it into the heart of the little distributor courtesy of gravity.
That’s not going to work. So within the spirit of being fixers reasonably than replacers of components, we made a plan. Clearly we would want new factors and a brand new coil however the distributor itself, as dangerous because it regarded was seemingly OK beneath all that nastiness. Heck, even the rotor regarded OK. So a name to the native NAPA netted us a coil and the factors however we needed to do one thing about cleansing that complete mess up. The answer was simply that, the magical answer often called the Chem-Dip bucket. The entire works went in for a solvent bathtub to see what would dissolve.
As you may see, the Chem-Dip did an excellent job of melting all of the previously strong plastic out of there and now it was our flip to complete the clear up mission. The distributor comes aside very simply so it was scrubbing time!
We put in a brand new set of factors and a condenser, set the hole to the manufacturing facility spec of .015 and checked the timing. Now, on these entrance distributor engines you don’t set the timing on the engine however reasonably set it utilizing a set of straight edges by utilizing the tang that interfaces with the engine whereas the factor is sitting on the bench. We accomplished that course of and went to put in it again on the engine. That little screw is what’s used to regulate the timing. We didn’t should make any tweaks because it confirmed us the appropriate 1/4″ spacing of the tang with relation to one of many mounting holes. The factors are alleged to begin to open after that 1/4″ of motion previous the outlet and it’s precisely what was taking place right here, so no timing changes had been wanted. Later aspect distributor timing adjustments are made by rotating the distributor because it “regular” on most engines. We additionally checked for continuity with the factors opening and shutting with a meter (not proven right here).
The distributor on these engines can legitimately solely return in a technique. Engineers again then had been sensible in the truth that the easy flat interface on the rear of the distributor has a brief and a protracted aspect. In case you attempt to go backwards the factor received’t sit flush with the block and also you’ll break the ear off once you attempt to run the bolts down. The refreshed distributor went proper in, the previous rotor went on, the previous cap was re-attached, after which the brand new coil was set on high and connected with the bail that appears like a deal with right here. Energy was connected to the coil.
As you may see, with slightly gasoline within the carb and a fast bounce begin this child fired proper up. My son was working the digicam right here and the look on his face was priceless. It was formally the primary engine he had ever “mounted” and it made him mild up and I can let you know for 100% certain that the dude is totally obsessive about this factor now. However we weren’t achieved. With a tractor that was now working, there was enjoyable available…however first just a few extra small fixes.
The manufacturing facility battery and starter cables had been just about rubbish and the little engine was hating life after we would spin it over after charging the battery. We made a fast alternative of the cables after which it was time to throw the radiator again on it and see if the factor would truly drive beneath its personal energy.
Growth! Sure it’s a runner and a driver! Sure, Tom acquired an excellent lesson in letting the clutch out simple, and sure, that is was a extremely enjoyable second. We nonetheless have a TON of stuff to do even earlier than the engine swap. We’re placing manufacturing facility exhaust again on it, we have to get the 3-point hitch working, the factor has no brakes (the axle seals have soaked the sneakers), and it’s a correctly leaky little factor. We’re going to make extra upgrades, make extra fixes, and make extra enjoyable recollections within the coming days and weeks.
BUT WAIT!
What enjoyable is there in having a tractor in case you don’t get to work it slightly?! This tree got here down within the blizzard that left the snow earlier than Christmas. We sawed it up however the stump was nonetheless there. Initially he was satisfied that our little 20hp tractor can be no match for it, however he acquired an excellent lesson in gearing right here. The little machine in low gear pulled it proper out after a few tugs.
We’ll be again with one other replace quickly! Brakes, small stuff and extra is on the way in which. Heck we have now not even touched the flathead V8 swap engine but. We’ll get to that in due time, the small stuff and “performance fixes” will proceed quickly!
