1950 Case VAC

[Duane Miller]

Going after my fathers 1950 VAC next weekend. Was running great last time it was cranked about 5 years ago. Looking for advice on steps to take before cranking again, where to buy parts, restore advice.

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[mguitas]

:welcome:aboard.

 

[chesaw]

Welcome to TBN, I would start by draining the fuel or gas
out of the system, change filter, and cross your fingers.
Wayne

 

[TripleR]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[Briana03]

WELCOME to TBN

I moved your thread to the Parts/Repairs Forum.

 

[flusher]

Going after my fathers 1950 VAC next weekend. Was running great last time it was cranked about 5 years ago. Looking for advice on steps to take before cranking again, where to buy parts, restore advice.

Parts: Steiner

Steiner Tractor Parts - New Restoration Quality Parts for Antique Tractors

Before trying to crank, I'd pull the plugs and see if you can turn the engine by hand (assuming you can get a wrench on the belt pulley). If not, bump it with the starter. If it cranks, put the plugs back in, be sure the fuel shutoff valve (if any) is open, and try to crank it. If it's a 6V positive ground system, the starter motor might crank slowly. If so, clean the contacts on the battery cables that go to the starter and try again.

If it doesn't start after trying everything you can think of, check the compression on each cylinder dry and wet. It should be 100-120 psi for an 8:1 compression engine that's in good shape. If the pressure less than 80 psi, you may have to replace rings and valves.

Restore advice: you best friend is your digicam. Don't remove anything before you have thoroughly documented it with pictures from enough angles so you know how to get it back together again.

Use zip lock bags to hold small parts and label the bags with a ball point pen, or something that's not going to be washed away by oil and grease.

Before disassembing anything, note the locations of all fluid leaks and get photos.

Power wash the tractor before any disassembly.

Post back with lotsa pictures and we'll continue to give advice (for whatever it's worth).

Good luck.

BTW: I have 5 old tractors in various stages of restoration now.

 

[CTPhil]

Couldn't hurt to squirt a little diesel in the spark plug holes to lube the rings, you could also shine a light in to check for rust on the cylinder walls.

 

[Duane Miller]

Thanks for the support. Going Friday to pick it up. Will post some photos.

 

[Duane Miller]

Me in the drivers seat in 1951 and my Dad finishig up mowing in 1966. Headed out on a 6 hour drive to pick it up this morning. Taking my 7 year old grandson on the trip so hopefully he will have some memories of this trip when he gets older and will likely own the tractor. A mechanic suggested pouring a cup of Marvels Mystery oil in each cylinder - anyone have experience with this?

 

[CTPhil]

Great old pics!

 

[Duane Miller]

1949 vac
Hi - I had posted earlier about going after my fathers 1950 Vac and got some very helpful tips - thanks. Turns out it is a 49 based on the serial's first five digits being 53. I have it with me now and after new tires, new battery and changing out all fluids am ready to try to start it. Tried this morning and found out the starter is not engaging with the ring gear. Saw some chatter on line about shimming the starter with some washers to get some better teeth engagement - does this make sense - any other ideas?

Duane

 

[Soundguy]

i have a 49 vac i'm working on as well right now.. post some pics.

as for the starter.. make sure the shaft is clean and the teeth on the bendinx and ring gear are good and not worn. most engines tend to stop inthe same place.. thus start int he same palce and you can get wear on the ring gear there.

post back.

 

[Carykong]

I have a Case VAC 1952. If the starter gear will not engage the ring gear, I just hand crank the engine about a quarter turn. Try the starter again. Do you still have the hand crank? You can,also, crank the motor with the large aux belt pulley on the right side of the motor. I have had good luck with this procedure.

 

[Duane Miller]

Thanks - I got it going. Turns out a relative had put new brushes in the starter and had reassembled it wrong. It's now with a painter getting a new paint job - should turn out well.

 

[Carykong]

Good news. Enjoy that family heirloom. My Case VAC is no longer my primary tractor so I keep a blade attachment on the 3pt nearly all the time and use my Case for snow plowing (which is rare in Tidewater Va.) and grading our graveldriveway which is about 3000' long. Years ago I ran a 5' brush cutter with my Case with success,but had to keep it in first gear most of time. Good for log skidding,too, in the woods. Tricycle is agile and has good ground clearance.