Farmall Cub

Looks like the crankshaft on my '55 cub (that the PO ran without oil pressure) is not serviceable, so I will be looking for ALL those nice little (and expensive!) parts to rebuild the engine. That, of course, is assuming the block is still good. I need to have them look at that, since the center main bearing on the crankshaft was toast, and it may have destroyed the block portion as well.

So, my first question is, does anyone have a recommendation for a source for an overhaul kit? By that I mean crankshaft, pistons, bearings, maybe rods, etc, etc. I see listings on eBay, but hoped someone had a history such that they could either recommend, or tell me to stay away from, certain vendors.

When purchasing, do I go back to "Standard" dimensions? I did find what I think is a good machine shop in Raleigh, so will take the block to them for inspection and, if OK, "boiling" out, since it was full of little particles.

If the block is NOT OK, I may be crawling back to Boss' for that engine I turned down, if it is still there!!! This will be my first engine rebuild since a VW bus in '72!!! Should keep me off the streets for a while, and poor enough to keep me out of trouble!

Dale, the engine rebuild will be fun and when you're done, you'll have a Cub that will be running for another 50 years. You won't find a crankshaft or rods in any "rebuild kit". What you will find are pistons, rings, bearings, seals and gaskets. Depending on the kit it may also have valve train components too. Which bearings you will need will depend on the crankshaft you buy. If the crankshaft is standard and doesn't need grinding and is within spec., standard rod and main bearings will work. If the crank has been ground to clean up used journals you will need undersized bearings to fit the smaller journals.

Dale, the machine shop should be able to source the needed parts, that is unless everything is toast. Then it will get interesting.

It may be a lot more economical to find a used engine and just replace it.

Dale, I have a good crank I can bring to red power if that helps
tim

Did you end up taking the used engine from Boss's? That was a running engine with no smoke. Compression may have been a touch low but nothing a honing and set of rings wouldn't solve. Swap out the front cover and you would be on your way to a running, usable tractor.

Dale,

IMO you're taking the smartest route by rebuilding the engine. When you are done you'll know exactly what you have.

A good machine shop will be a big help. As mentioned they can find everything you'll need.

Al

I noticed Boss had several blocks laying around so I am sure you can find one. Good luck on the project. I am sure you will learn some things you can share.

Current plan is to take the block, pistons and rods to the machine shop Monday to see if they are good. If yes, then I may have a lead on a crankshaft and will go from there. Thanks to all and when I return from RPRU I should be able to go full steam ahead! Updates to follow...!!

I returned from RPRU with a "new" crankshaft from Tim (tst) and the shop confirmed it is still Standard dimensions...THANKS Tim!!

I have decided to go ahead and let the machine shop (T-Hoff) do the majority of this overhaul, so there is no question as to who is responsible for what. At least the guy doing it actually owns a cub, so he should appreciate it a bit more than the Hot Rod type guys!!

They told me the block looks OK, so will begin cleaning it up. They did say that the #3 cylinder was the worst of them and recommend boring to .020. I think he said $100 for the four cylinders (does that seem reasonable?). They do not have a source for Cub parts, so have told me to go ahead and get them. So I am requesting any recommended sources for an Overhaul Kit. I was told to get the +.020 piston/ring parts (standard for the crankshaft and rod bearings), then they will do the cylinders to fit. Don't know yet what they need for the valves. (They offered to review any parts I locate online before I actually order them)

So, let me know if you have a good source for these parts. EBay has them, but would prefer a recommendation of a particular vendor. Thanks!

Has the machine shop checked out the crankshaft yet just to make sure it doesn't need grinding?

Yes, they said it measured "Standard"

Matt Kirsch wrote:Has the machine shop checked out the crankshaft yet just to make sure it doesn't need grinding?

I returned from RPRU with a "new" crankshaft from Tim (tst) and the shop confirmed it is still Standard dimensions...THANKS Tim!!

You might check with Hamilton Bob's for a set of good used 0.20 over pistons. I got a set of 0.20 over aluminum "pop up" pistons with rods and rod caps for a REALLY good price. They're in my "hot rod" Cub
and no problems