Our 1957 cub

[danatt]

My wife wanted a little red tractor so we just picked up a 1957 cub that has no carburetor or starter. The engine is seized. Looking for any suggestions to help get her running. So far we have are soaking the pistons and waiting for parts.

[Dale Finch]

Congrats to you...that's my favorite style cub. I know you will get it humming, so enjoy the process. Lots of good info here, but if you have a problem, just ask.

IF you haven't already, check out the HOW TO section.
And WELCOME!

[Barnyard]

While the starter is off take a prybar to the flywheel and see if the engine will turn backwards. Also check the fan to make sure it is not seized, If the fan will not turn and the belt is tight it could cause resistance to the engine. Finally, see if you can find a stuck valve.

[tst]

would not be buying parts until the engine has broke free 1st

[Glen]

Hi,
The Cub operator's manual can help you learn about maintenance that the Cub needs.

Below is the 1955 Cub operator's manual. The experts on here recommend people read it. It has lots of info about operation, maintenance, and lubrication. There is a table of contents on page 1.
It shows how Cubs originally looked in it. The lube section begins on page 21.

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.clea ... index.html

They have said on here that IH didn't make a new manual every year.
This manual shows the electrical system that a 1957 Cub originally had.
Cubs made before mid 1964 originally had 6 volt, positive ground electrical systems.

The Touch Control fluid talked about in the manual was changed later to Case IH Hy-Tran fluid. It is sold at Case IH dealers.

I would check or change all the oils before using the Cub. Using it with low oil in a gear housing can damage the parts in the housing.
There are 3 separate gear housings, with 3 separate oil levels to check, in the rear area of a Cub, the transmission, and 2 final drives.

The transmissions in Cubs commonly get water in them, from rain, or condensation inside the housing over time.

[SONNY]

Kinda looks like my 56 front end! ---- is it underslung exhaust? IF so water didnt get in the motor UNLESS head or block is cracked OR head gasket leaked water in the pistons.
Check the plugs for rust on the tips, --if clean then its probably just stuck rings and may soak loose.
After soaking for a while, put it in third gear and rock it back and forth to see if you can get it loose that way.---sometimes it works, depending on how bad its stuck.