[AT] Project Updates '49 A, '51 A, and '47 B

[STEVE ALLEN]

Just to keep things moving, I thought I'd share some updates and a question or two.

'49 A:
After draining the condensation out of the transmission case (none in the crank case), we tried to start the tractor.  I had it running just fine as recently as 16 months ago.  Nadda.  No spark.  This tractor is magneto.  Polished the points, checked the wires, puttered with the cap.  Still no spark.  Haven't had time to get back to it since Saturday.  can't understand why a unit that had spark just fine less than 2 years ago had nothin' now.

'51 A:  
Starts and runs easy, but it starts dying of fuel starvation after just a little while.  I know the fuel line runs closer to the exhaust manifold than it should, but I insulated it.  Gas is till *not* coming down out of the tank at what seems a normal rate.  I am planning to suspend a light in the tank to see if I can spot any problem there.  I just don't get the reluctance to flow.

'47 B:
Pulled the front wheels off to replace the tires while the carb is in the soak and clean mode.  Got a surprise:  the front wheels are 3" x 15", not the 4" x 16" I expected (and should be on a late styled B).  Out of curiosity, I checked the rears:  the tires are 12.4 x 36" (not 38").  apparently, at some point in the distant past (before the mid-'70s when my Dad bought it), someone put smaller (older??) wheels and tires on this tractor, or else it came with an option I don't see in the parts manual for these years.  One source I found lists 3" x 15: front wheels for the M.  VERY odd.  So we are looking for a pair of 15"s now.  Anybody have a favorite brand?

Anyway, my son is working on cleaning up the carb, and we're waiting till the weekend when I have some more time.

The "original" Steve Allen