John Deere B sitting 20 years.

[BridgeBoy]

I am now looking at a late 40's B that has been outdoors for 20 years. Hand start and turns over easily. Exhaust has been covered since it has been sitting. Besides the carb having to be cleaned or rebuilt and a cleaning of the gas tank and lines what would be the best way to try to start this tractor? Would the magneto still function? What do people on this forum suggest to do even to start this engine based on one's experience with a B?

Thanks,

BridgeBoy

 

[TomSeller]

I am now looking at a late 40's B that has been outdoors for 20 years. Hand start and turns over easily. Exhaust has been covered since it has been sitting. Besides the carb having to be cleaned or rebuilt and a cleaning of the gas tank and lines what would be the best way to try to start this tractor? Would the magneto still function? What do people on this forum suggest to do even to start this engine based on one's experience with a B?

Thanks,

BridgeBoy

When you say it is hand start and turns over easy, do you mean there is no compression? If so, that would indicate stuck open valves I would go through the fuel system and get it cleaned up, new kit in the carb, flush the tank and lines before doing anything, I would check for spark. How bad has the wiring become after 20 years in the elements?

 

[tlm720]

One thing that can help is if you have access to another tractor with a belt pulley and a flat belt. Belt it up to another tractor (make sure direction of rotation is correct) and let it pump some oil around and work the rings free. Figure on points and condenser for the mag and possibly new wires/plugs. Should be easy to establish if you've got good spark. Make sure the impulse is working on the mag. Remove the air intake from the carb so you can give it a shot of ether. If it fires but won't run then you can dive into the carb.

 

[flusher]

If you can hand crank it, the engine is not stuck so that's a good sign.
I would remove the magneto and bench test it to be sure you're getting a spark.
There are quite a few YouTube videos about testing magnetos.

Good luck.

 

[flusher]

If you can hand crank it, the engine is not stuck so that's a good sign.
I would remove the magneto and bench test it to be sure you're getting a spark.
There are quite a few YouTube videos about testing magnetos.

Good luck.