New to cub

[Taterbaby]

Need some advise on this 1952 cub. Tractor has been in shed for 10 years. Found water in the crankcase. I removed the head, found that it was warped. I had it machined and dye checked all good there
All valves are moving free. I removed the oil pan and cleaned it.
Attempted to start engine with no success. Removed spark plugs and they are all dry. Ran a dry compression test had 25, 35, 40, 65. So I ran a wet compression test all cylinders are 75 to 85.
Rolled engine over with starter but didn’t notice any oil pressure on gauge but did hear the oil draining back to the oil pan
I installed spark plugs and noticed that it did burn the oil as it was turning over
Could the low compression be causing the fuel not to enter the intake?
I could use some help on where to go from here.

[Slim140]

First off if you haven't done it already, prime the oil pump. There's a small hole in where the oil filter goes, get a squirt can and fill that hole up several times. Rings are probably stuck after sitting that long, put some oil in the cylinders and let it sit for a day or two.

How do you hear the oil draining back to the pan?

[Mike in Louisiana]

Have you checked the timing?

[Waif]

A run through the fuel system starting at gas tank and through carb will eliminate fuel issues. Be sure float works and passages are clean ,with a focus on main jet.
Caution when removing carb cover not to break the fragile tube that sticks up into top of carb.
Then to ignition electrical. Stop switch ,then ignition.
Timing of spark ( after spark is confirmed) ,plug gap ,ignition points health and gap ,condenser ect.
Save any ignition parts replaced that are known to work properly. For use in later trouble shooting if needed....just in case a new one is a dud.

[Stanton]

Welcome!

Take some time and read through a few threads to acquaint you with the Forum:

• Welcome Wagon
• How to Upload Pictures to a Post
• Forum Picture Posting And Other Interesting Things You Can Do
• Using the Forum

After your 2nd post on the Forum, you'll have access to the all the PDF Manuals. They are located via "Quick Links" in the upper left corner of your screen. Hit that and a pull-down appears where you'll find "PDF Manuals". Through that link, you'll be able to download an Owner's Manual (very strongly recommended) and any service manuals that interest you. Implement Manuals are also available.
Might also this thread helpful: What to do with a Cub you just brought home

If you do disassemble your carb, be sure to pull the top straight up about 3"+ inches before moving the top sideways, due to a small idle tube that is connected to the top portion that protrudes down into the bottom portion of the carb. People who have never disassembled them before often pry the top off sideways and risk breaking that brass tube.

There are many good threads in the How To Forum. You may find many answers there. Glad you joined us.

[inairam]

I would also put some seafoam in the cylinders and let it sit. I might do it a few times to get the rings loose. they in all probability are stuck

[staninlowerAL]

......Could the low compression be causing the fuel not to enter the intake?......

Extremely likely, it's an updraft system and low compression = low suction = vapors not pulled into the cylinders.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Need some advise on this 1952 cub. Tractor has been in shed for 10 years. Found water in the crankcase. I removed the head, found that it was warped. I had it machined and dye checked all good there
All valves are moving free. I removed the oil pan and cleaned it.
Attempted to start engine with no success. Removed spark plugs and they are all dry. Ran a dry compression test had 25, 35, 40, 65. So I ran a wet compression test all cylinders are 75 to 85.
Rolled engine over with starter but didn’t notice any oil pressure on gauge but did hear the oil draining back to the oil pan
I installed spark plugs and noticed that it did burn the oil as it was turning over
Could the low compression be causing the fuel not to enter the intake?
I could use some help on where to go from here.

Sounds like you know what to do.....just keep working at it and you'll get it running in no time. These guys are pointing you in the right direction and filling in the gaps and details.

[FLOPGUY]

......Could the low compression be causing the fuel not to enter the intake?......

Extremely likely, it's an updraft system and low compression = low suction = vapors not pulled into the cylinders.

I just bought a cub as well and my cylinder compression for all cylinders are in the 20's. I am in the middle for doing a valve job, when I pulled my valves the exhaust valves were burnt and wobbly. My engine has no rotators on the valves and they stay in one position burning them up faster.
perhaps your valves are on the downside of their life.

He sounds knowledgeable and will get it going

[areger23]

if you know you have spark and a clean carb. i would suggest pull starting it if you can. i found that to be the easiest way to get a cub that has been siting a long time to start, these old updraft carbs and low compression engines can be a pain to start

[Taterbaby]

Pulling it is a great idea.
Thank you

[staninlowerAL]

Don't over stress the front axle or you might be replacing the bolster!!!!!

[Don McCombs]

Pull from the drawbar.

[Taterbaby]

I pulled the cub a couple hundred yards, it fired a few times with smoke. It would idle for about 10 seconds then die. I put sea foam on top of the pistons set for 12 hours. Did this twice.
Rechecked compression and all were 75 to 85 psi.
Oh yes, we had about 15 psi oil press as it was being pulled.
I turned engine over with starter it hit instantly and ran for 30 seconds.
It has a Zenith carburetor, I have removed it twice and cleaned it, but I’m not sure how to set the float, I’m not sure which model Zenith this is, it doesn’t have any numbers on it.
Should I be looking at the carb or low compression as my problem?
Thanks ahead for any advise

[AL Farmall Boy]

The seafoam will make them smoke. I wouldn't use that but would put some oil in there. As long as you have oil pressure and since you've already ran it, you shouldn't need anything in the cylinders at this point. Get the carburetor rebuilt and correctly set, check the points setting and make sure plugs aren't fouled out and it'll run!