Would anyone here take a chance on a Cub basket case?

[Tau44]

I found a Cub that is apart for $400.00 The head is off. Says it has a blown head gasket. They took the head off was going to put a head gasket on and never got around too it? Says the tractor is in fair shape. Says their no cracks or welds on the tractor. Would you all take a chance on this tractor. It has a good tag. Later model Cub painted yellow. He is going to send some pictures and get the serial number for me.

Thanks,

Tau

[Cub-Bud]

I would and have. Be prepared to spend some money to get it right.

[Rudi]

Les:

Jethro was in pretty sorry shape when I bought him - in fact he still is. But you know, even a basket case has plenty of worth. Say in fact you buy this tractor and can't get it fixed. No problem. It could be a great source of parts for your next acquisition as well as a piggy bank for buying parts you don't have.

I would consider it.

Also, you were asking on TF about the Cub with the cracked block for $1300.00. Well, you probably have a good block right there. Consider that the $1300.00 Cub comes with a Woods belly mower and this one has a good block, it is still $100.00 cheaper than the $1800.00 possibility.

You do have plenty of choices.

Let us know what you end up doing.

Either way, sounds like you got bit already

[jim turner]

Oh yes got one and would have another one the only way to go when you get done you will have a lot of pride in the little tractor Good Luck

[Tau44]

The tractor is only about 65 miles away. No big deal. I am kind of leary of buying a tractor that doesn't run. I have a 8N I bought for $700.00 complete didn't run. In fairly good shape. (meaning sheetmetal and rims) I put one new rear tire on it and going to put two front tires on it. And I still don't have it running. I have put new plugs, wires, sealed the gas tank, new battery, still won't run. changed oil, tranny fluid. It will turn over all day but start. I talked to a 8N friend of mine. He says he thinks something has siezed up in the motor because the tractor was sitting for years. Cleaned the radiator too.

Thanks,

Tau

[Rudi]

Les:

Cubs aren't as finicky as the Fords - bad boy, bad language duh, I said the F word

Don't be too afraid of a non-running Cub. I have heard of guys on the forum who bought them not running adnd with a few simple things had em up and running the same day..... besides, you will have all kinds of help from the guys on the forum here. When I say that they are the best, I mean that and am talking from experience

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

If you don't buy it, let the rest of us know where it is. Will part out for 600 or more. One word of warning, if he is changing head gasket due to water in oil, it's not the head gasket. Oil passages don't come up to head gasket. Also, if head has been off a long time, pistons could be stuck.

[Eugene]

It would be well worth the 65 mile drive to take a look at the Cub. I would take the trailer, a receipt book, and $400.00 in cash. If the tractor looks decent I would lay $300.00 on the hood and see what happens.

Look around and ask about equipment for the Cub. If there are attachments, $400.00 for a non running Cub would be a good deal.

Just my opinion.

Eugene

[Jack Donovan]

If you don't take it , I'll be there tomorrow Jack

[Tau44]

What could be the cause for water in the oil on a Cub.

Tau

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Only cause I know if is an internal crack in the block. On an overhaead valve engine it can also be caused by a head gasket or head, but a cub is a flathead and the oil doesn't come up to the head area.

[Tau44]

Could you patch a crack like that internally?

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

If you could find it, or it was where you could get to it, both of which are unlikely. Only way to tell would be to tear it down.

[Bigdog]

Tau44, the worst case scenario is that good used blocks are available for pretty reasonable costs.

[Rudi]

Les:

Remember what I said over on TF.com. Ifn you buy them both, you are still miles ahead on the deal. Plus you would have some good parts left over to finance other Cub purchases.

btw, that is what a lot of us do