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Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
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- Todd 02
- 5+ Years
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 9:20 am
- Zip Code: 79423
- Tractors Owned: 1941 Farmall A
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
I picked up a 1941 Farmall A last weekend and intend to make it my first rebuild project. It's clean and mostly straight, but does not run and is lacking a few major components (like a carburetor). I'll try to consolidate and chronicle everything about this project into this thread. Here we go!!!
Home and in the garage
Happy little boy
All four plugs were clean when I pulled them
Valve train is clean and dry
Home and in the garage
Happy little boy
All four plugs were clean when I pulled them
Valve train is clean and dry
Click here to see my project: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild.
- Todd 02
- 5+ Years
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 9:20 am
- Zip Code: 79423
- Tractors Owned: 1941 Farmall A
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
I started the tear down yesterday and found most everything that is present to be in working condition. Upon removing the oil pan, I discovered a light dusting of rust on the internals of the crank case. No worries as I plan to pull everything and reassemble anyway.
Notice that the piston is nice and shiny. I found all four to be the same. The cylinder sleeves are shiny also.
As I said above, I've got a very happy little guy who is excited to help. He'll be three in February. Here he is working with his great grandfather's tools. This isn't their first Farmall experience. My grandfather farmed with an H and an M back in the day.
Notice that the piston is nice and shiny. I found all four to be the same. The cylinder sleeves are shiny also.
As I said above, I've got a very happy little guy who is excited to help. He'll be three in February. Here he is working with his great grandfather's tools. This isn't their first Farmall experience. My grandfather farmed with an H and an M back in the day.
Click here to see my project: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild.
- Todd 02
- 5+ Years
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 9:20 am
- Zip Code: 79423
- Tractors Owned: 1941 Farmall A
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
Cracked Block!!!
And finally for my first real worry of the project. I discovered some repaired cracks in the block deck. The water cooling system on this tractor isn't pressurized, though I do have a locked up water pump I could try to rebuild and use. I suspect that I'll just add a little bit more filler into the cracks and move along. I plan to use this tractor out at my farm for little odds and ends.
I would appreciate y'all's insight moving forward as to whether I should source a replacement block or just reuse this one.
Thanks!
I would appreciate y'all's insight moving forward as to whether I should source a replacement block or just reuse this one.
Thanks!
Click here to see my project: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild.
-
- Team Cub Mentor
- Posts: 20369
- Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:52 pm
- Zip Code: 65051
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Mo. Linn
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
Bench or engine stand for the engine. Number of things wrong with current condition of bottom end of engine.
Looks as though someone started to overhaul the engine. Not sure why someone would purchase new pistons and sleeves, perhaps replace some crankshaft bearings and then stop.
Timing gear, front of crankshaft. Damaged?
Posted in wrong post. Disregard. Edit: Change Damaged?, to 99.9% sure crankshaft is broken.
Looks as though someone started to overhaul the engine. Not sure why someone would purchase new pistons and sleeves, perhaps replace some crankshaft bearings and then stop.
Timing gear, front of crankshaft. Damaged?
Posted in wrong post. Disregard. Edit: Change Damaged?, to 99.9% sure crankshaft is broken.
Last edited by Eugene on Sun Nov 23, 2014 9:33 am, edited 2 times in total.
I have an excuse. CRS.
- Todd 02
- 5+ Years
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 9:20 am
- Zip Code: 79423
- Tractors Owned: 1941 Farmall A
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
The previous owner passed while he was doing the rebuild. He bequeathed the tractor to his sister who sold it to me for $450.
Click here to see my project: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild.
-
- Team Cub Mentor
- Posts: 20369
- Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:52 pm
- Zip Code: 65051
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Mo. Linn
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
Images #5, 6, & 7. Crankshaft broken?
Edit: Change Damaged?, to 99.9% sure crankshaft is broken.
Edit: Change Damaged?, to 99.9% sure crankshaft is broken.
I have an excuse. CRS.
-
- Team Cub Mentor
- Posts: 20369
- Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:52 pm
- Zip Code: 65051
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Mo. Linn
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
Photo #6. Besides the crack in the crankshaft, the piston appears to be cocked in the cylinder. Perhaps it's just the photo, but there appears to be a significant gap between the right side piston skirt and the cylinder wall. Also the connecting rod should be centered on the piston pin.
Thinking the displayed piston is jammed in to the sleeve wall. If this is the case, then that piston and sleeve are probably not salvageable.
Thinking the displayed piston is jammed in to the sleeve wall. If this is the case, then that piston and sleeve are probably not salvageable.
I have an excuse. CRS.
- Todd 02
- 5+ Years
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 9:20 am
- Zip Code: 79423
- Tractors Owned: 1941 Farmall A
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
I've inspected the crankshaft and I don't believe it is broken or significantly damaged.
Click here to see my project: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild.
-
- Team Cub Mentor
- Posts: 20369
- Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:52 pm
- Zip Code: 65051
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Mo. Linn
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
The crankshaft arm coming down from piston #1 rod journal to #2 piston rod journal appears to be cracked about 80% through.Todd 02 wrote:I've inspected the crankshaft and I don't believe it is broken or significantly damaged.
I have an excuse. CRS.
- Todd 02
- 5+ Years
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 9:20 am
- Zip Code: 79423
- Tractors Owned: 1941 Farmall A
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
I really think the photo is deceiving you, Eugene. There is no crack in the crankshaft. I think what you're perceiving to be a crack is where the crankshaft transitions from the round shape of the web to the rectangular shape of the arm.
Here is a view looking front to back of the same arm.
Here is a view looking front to back of the same arm.
Click here to see my project: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild.
-
- Team Cub Mentor
- Posts: 20369
- Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:52 pm
- Zip Code: 65051
- Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Mo. Linn
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
OK. Thank you.
Rust appears to be cleaning up nicely.
Rust appears to be cleaning up nicely.
I have an excuse. CRS.
-
- 10+ Years
- Posts: 67
- Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2012 6:12 pm
- Zip Code: 37801
- eBay ID: bill6883
- Tractors Owned: 49 Cub, 52 Cub, 57 Cub,71 MTD, Unico, Another 71 MTD Unico, 93 Craftsman, GT 6000, 97 Yard Machines and more.
- Location: Maryville, Tn.
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
Don't all the piston's notches go to front of engine? The two middle ones [2&3 ] are to the rear. Just one more commet.. Thanks, [Bill] WLM Cub.......
- CPIII
- 10+ Years
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2009 9:43 am
- Zip Code: 77355
- eBay ID: czechiii
- Tractors Owned: 48 Cub SN 54XXX (Captain Crunch)
47 Farmall A (Patches) - Circle of Safety: Y
- Location: Magnolia, Texas
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
I just went though a block replacement on my A. It wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be. I am close to firing it back up now as I just finished going through the mag.
Here is the link viewtopic.php?f=170&t=85461
I would suggest finding another block and not waste any more time on that one because even if the cylinders seal the head will probably leak and the crack will only get worse IMHO.
Edit: Oh and yes all piston marks must face toward the front on the block. Also in my rebuild I accidentally got one of the connecting rod caps on backwards. I couldn't turn the engine over by hand after that because it caused such a bind. I would make sure all the bearing caps and connecting rod caps are correct. Fortunately mine had numbers stamped in the side on the top and bottom of the bearing halves. But I still managed to get one wrong. With everything right you should be able to turn the engine over by hand with a bit of force (not really easy to turn but should move) on the crank arms. If you can't there is something wrong somewhere.
Charlie.
Here is the link viewtopic.php?f=170&t=85461
I would suggest finding another block and not waste any more time on that one because even if the cylinders seal the head will probably leak and the crack will only get worse IMHO.
Edit: Oh and yes all piston marks must face toward the front on the block. Also in my rebuild I accidentally got one of the connecting rod caps on backwards. I couldn't turn the engine over by hand after that because it caused such a bind. I would make sure all the bearing caps and connecting rod caps are correct. Fortunately mine had numbers stamped in the side on the top and bottom of the bearing halves. But I still managed to get one wrong. With everything right you should be able to turn the engine over by hand with a bit of force (not really easy to turn but should move) on the crank arms. If you can't there is something wrong somewhere.
Charlie.
Charles Patek III
Some days - Chicken.......Some days - Feathers
Words to live by....
Some days - Chicken.......Some days - Feathers
Words to live by....
- artc
- Cub Pro
- Posts: 1871
- Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2003 10:25 am
- Zip Code: 06457
- eBay ID: cmtelephone
- Tractors Owned: Restored: 1950 Cub, 1950 Cub Demo, 1948 super AI, 1935 Silver King, 1946 Oliver 60 RC, John Deere M, 1950 C demo.
In working clothes:
1950 cub, 1948 cub, 1941 A, 1948 H, 1963 B414, 1958 240U, 1947 Oliver 60 industrial, Oliver 70 industrial. IH 450, 1963, another 1948 cub, 1946 I6 with Trogan front blade. - Location: CT, Middletown
- Contact:
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
It appears the engine was run without water for a fair bit of time. it was common in the day, as antifreeze was not invented and water was used and drained every night. someone forgot to add water in the morning. I would check the head carefully for cracks as well, and finding another block (of which there are still plenty available) would be advisable. if there is a crack in the block down where the o rings seat, then antifreeze will leak into the pan, and all your rebuild work will be for naught.
it also appears that the motor was cleaned, sleeves and (I assume) bearings installed, and the owner fell ill. the rust on the crank I believe is a result of sitting around after the engine work.
I would completely tear it down, replace the block, reuse the new sleeve and piston kit (notches forward by convention but it wouldn't hurt the way it was), assembly lube the moving parts, check the head for cracks and condition of the valve job, and install all new gaskets, making sure to copper coat the head gasket and use vaseline on the sleeves in the contact area of the o rings before installing them. make sure the o ring groove in the block is clean. I can't stress that enough.
your cam didn't look stellar, so if you get a better one with the new block, good. the crank gear probably should be replaced due to rust. make sure the crank journals are polished up nice, or have it done. check rods and mains to be sure the correct bearings have been installed. in other words, don't leave anything to chance. the PO probably knew what he was doing, but he could have been ailing when he did this.
when you install the pistons, install keepers on the sleeves to prevent the sleeves from coming out of the block as you rotate the engine. a plate across the sleeves held down by the head studs will work fine.
check the oil pump carefully. these pumps had a cast bottom plate that warped easily. you will need to flatten it back out, as long as the pump is in good shape.
it also appears that the motor was cleaned, sleeves and (I assume) bearings installed, and the owner fell ill. the rust on the crank I believe is a result of sitting around after the engine work.
I would completely tear it down, replace the block, reuse the new sleeve and piston kit (notches forward by convention but it wouldn't hurt the way it was), assembly lube the moving parts, check the head for cracks and condition of the valve job, and install all new gaskets, making sure to copper coat the head gasket and use vaseline on the sleeves in the contact area of the o rings before installing them. make sure the o ring groove in the block is clean. I can't stress that enough.
your cam didn't look stellar, so if you get a better one with the new block, good. the crank gear probably should be replaced due to rust. make sure the crank journals are polished up nice, or have it done. check rods and mains to be sure the correct bearings have been installed. in other words, don't leave anything to chance. the PO probably knew what he was doing, but he could have been ailing when he did this.
when you install the pistons, install keepers on the sleeves to prevent the sleeves from coming out of the block as you rotate the engine. a plate across the sleeves held down by the head studs will work fine.
check the oil pump carefully. these pumps had a cast bottom plate that warped easily. you will need to flatten it back out, as long as the pump is in good shape.
'If they're tappin', they're not burnin'
http://www.ZagrayFarmMuseum.org
http://www.ZagrayFarmMuseum.org
- artc
- Cub Pro
- Posts: 1871
- Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2003 10:25 am
- Zip Code: 06457
- eBay ID: cmtelephone
- Tractors Owned: Restored: 1950 Cub, 1950 Cub Demo, 1948 super AI, 1935 Silver King, 1946 Oliver 60 RC, John Deere M, 1950 C demo.
In working clothes:
1950 cub, 1948 cub, 1941 A, 1948 H, 1963 B414, 1958 240U, 1947 Oliver 60 industrial, Oliver 70 industrial. IH 450, 1963, another 1948 cub, 1946 I6 with Trogan front blade. - Location: CT, Middletown
- Contact:
Re: Todd's 1941 Farmall A Rebuild
oh, and check the push rods to be sure they are straight by rolling them on the bench.
'If they're tappin', they're not burnin'
http://www.ZagrayFarmMuseum.org
http://www.ZagrayFarmMuseum.org
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