[Farmall] Super A engine trouble...

[popeman at verizon.net]

While we're on the subject of spark plugs, what plugs do you recommend for a 1953 Super M?  Also, how hard is it to change the fan belt?  The one that's on there looks like it's going to break real soon.
Thanks,
Richard Pope
Apple Valley, CA
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: dglass <dglass at numail.org>

Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:21:45 
To: Farmall/IHC mailing list<farmall at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: Re: [Farmall] Super A engine trouble...


Before scraping it I would do two things.  First I would look at the 
spark plugs and be sure they are not AC.  Put in a new set of Champion 
D21 plugs. If this helps then pour in a can of engine restorer and drive 
it for a while. If this doesn't work you are only out about $10 to $15 
bucks and a little time.  I have had two A's that didn't have the power 
to pull themselves onto a trailer and after a new set of Champions will 
pull in third gear. Don't overhaul a old  Farmall without trying 
Champion sparkplugs first.

Al Jones wrote:
> Well, if you decide to scrap it, by all means let us know.  Someone migh want to save it....
>
> My goal one day is to get another Super A.....I had my tractor (my grandfather's) restored to as near factory original as I could get.  I would like to do another one and do a lot of the updates farmers did to them---140 style seat, big pistons, add a fast hitch, etc.
>
> Al
>
> -----Original Message-----
>   
>> From: Greg Holmes <nycsfan at yahoo.com>
>> Sent: Sep 18, 2009 8:52 AM
>> To: farmall at lists.antique-tractor.com
>> Subject: [Farmall] Super A engine trouble...
>>
>> This may be a tough question to diagnose online, but my Super A has been running very poorly (as in, barely running) and this is beyond my level of expertise. 
>>
>> A tractor repair guy now tells me that the #1 cylinder has about 15lb pressure (the plug was very oil- and carbon-fouled on that cylinder) and that he needs to open the engine up to determine if it's a valve or worse. I have a worst-case scenario of a $2500 rebuild or a valve, or a head gasket problem (the engine does seep a little oil from the head gasket area).
>>
>> Any shared experiences are welcome. Ultimately, this will be a decision of would one scrap a vintage tractor vs. fully restore it to tip top condition for probably another 50-100 years of service (given how it's no longer working daily on the farm).
>>
>> Many thanks in advance.
>>
>> Greg
>>
>>
>>      
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