Rebuilding the '51 Cub

[CTFD24]

I thought you guys might be interested in some updates with my '51 Cub. At the end of last summer I notice a knock in the engine and some noise in the clutch. My goal was to work on fixing these problems throughout the winter, but work and spending time with my family put the Cub's issues on the back burner. A couple weeks ago I was finally able to drop the oil pan to find the source of the knock. What I found was a completely worn out rod bearing and a crankshaft to match. One after another I discovered that each bearing and the corresponding area on the crankshaft was heavily grooved. The project quickly snowballed with the idea that while I had the tractor apart I would replace the seals, clutch, valves, brakes, etc. I became overwhelmed just thinking of all the stuff I wanted to do to get the cub back in shape. Knowing that I needed the Cub to plow the garden, mow, and rake hay really had me worried that I would not be able to complete these projects myself in time for spring. Even though I wanted to have the satisfaction of working on my tractor myself, my desire to have it back in working order for spring chores won out and I contacted a local tractor repair shop to see what he could do for me. After our conversation I decided to let him tackle the project. Today he called and asked me to stop by the shop. He had the tractor split and the engine disassembled. He pointed out several things such as chipped throw out bearing, warped clutch, bad bearings, grooved crank, burnt valves, sand in the lower radiator (bolster???), and much more. Tomorrow the engine block is being sent to the machine shop to be bored and milled. Here are some photos of the progress. I'll do my best to keep you posted. Sorry if the quality isn't the best.

[Bob McCarty]

Sounds like your Cub had a hard life growing up. I'm sure you'll be happy with the outcome when everything is back together. Thanks for posting the pics.

Bb

[CTFD24]

A hard life indeed! I don't think the PO did much preventative maintenance. The shop owner said the engine has never been opened and was all original inside. More pics to come as more progress is made.

[Doodle]

I'm sure all the problems adding up are kind of making you sick. However you are going to have a completely fresh engine, clutch, brakes and more. I like that you are fixing it up and not abandoning or parting it out. Hopefully when completed, the main components are ready for another 60 plus years.

[havoc1482]

If you ever get overwhelmed by cost, just remember: You're rebuilding it for the next generation of tractor enthusiasts. That thing will easily last another 60+ years.


Thats how I always see it with my Super A. I'm only 21 and I plan on (fingers crossed) being that father or grandfather that my (grand)kids talk about when they say "yeah this was my GrandF/Fathers tractor ect ect"

[Dale Finch]

You might start soaking your new TOB now so it is nicely "seasoned" by the time you need it!! At least you will be fairly sure, when the seasons come around, that you will have a reliable cub! A VERY nice and envious position for most of us!!

While it is down, you could proably take home various components/assemblies and work on them yourself and save a bit of money...like the finals & differential (seals and o-rings), repack the front wheel bearings, replace the seals in the steering (shaft, worm gear, etc), check touch control, at least the control rod, for leaks (a LOT easier with it split now!), carburetor, and so on.

Heck, invite some friends over and have your own Mini-fest!!

[Ben B]

Good luck with your rebuild. Hopefully when it is finished you will have a real workhorse!

After you mentioned what was found due to the PO's lack of maintenance, it makes me wonder what I may find whenever I decide to open up my engine. The PO of my 50 Cub did a lot of field repairs that have caused me a lot of grief. I do think it is better when you can fix it right and be done with it for a long time, if you have the means to do so.

Good luck again, and keep us posted your progress!

[offrink]

Look like a lot of work but a lot of joy will come from it too!

[ricky racer]

Notice how dry the TOB is! There should be grease all over the TOB housing from years of greasing. Obviously, there was no greasing going on there. Bummer. It probably would have lasted for many more years if it had been greased regularly.

Rick

[snoman7c]

Hey, Been There- Done That! When you get your Cub back, you will have a "New" compact tractor that is capable of many chores. All at a fraction of the cost of a new compact tractor available today. And the Cub is allot easier to work on than the new mini diesel models. As an added bonus, there are plenty of knowledgeable people on this forum that can help advise you when other problems arise

[Donegal Cub]

Looking at the tin work, wheel rims etc, I would think that cub is well worth the money you will spend on it. And I would think you would maintain it much better than the PO after you get her done. My dear old dad RIP used to say the only real expensive job is the one you have to pay for the second time to put right what you should have done in the first place. Thanks for the pics and keep us updated
Bernard,
Donegal Cub.