The Super AV is alive!

[customcutter]

We are back in LA (lower Alabama) with the In-Laws. My FIL bought a Super AV about 20 years ago from a family friend to restore. (His first tractor was a Super AV he bought in 1953 and had to sell in 1969. He says he's regretted selling it ever since.) The tractor has been sitting in the shop ever since except for once when a fellow borrowed it to drive in the local parade.

I started messing with it a couple of months ago. Pulled the plugs and cleaned them, put a little oil in the cylinders and turned the tractor over by hand. I checked the starter using a large battery charger and it worked. I pulled distributor cap and filed the points. We had to leave before finishing the project.

Last week when we got back, I picked up a new battery (26R thanks for the info from the forum). I cleaned up all of the battery connections and cut the end off of the positive cable that clamped on where it was corroded. When checking the radiator, I saw it was low, so I topped it off with 1 gal of anti-freeze concentrate, and 1/2gal of water. Nothing leaked until the radiator overflowed. Now there appears to be a drip at the top of the head where the hose connects.

I added 2.5 gallons of non-ethanol gas and opened the petcock. I saw fuel fill the sediment bowl and checked the drain plug on the bottom of the carb. It had fuel to the carb, so I closed the drain on the carb. I tried pulling the rod going to the starter button and she spun over for a couple of seconds, but no fire. I pulled the choke and tried again for about 2-3 seconds still nothing. Then it dawned on me that there is an ignition switch. I pulled the ignition switch out and hit the starter and it fired off before completing a full revolution.

I checked the tires and aired them up to 15-20 lbs, the left rear has chunks breaking out of the dry rotted sidewall. I backed it out of the barn for the second time in 20 years and took it for a spin about 500 yds down to the house where Ma and Pa where. He was resting up after his trip to dialysis this morning. They were glad to see it running again.

[staninlowerAL]

Congrats on your success!! Nothing quite like bringing one back to life with the bonus of sharing it with Ma and Pa. You scored a lot of points today.

[customcutter]

Thanks Stan. Pa turned 92 last Friday, so it was a late birthday present for him. They want to plant a garden this year, so I'll try laying out some rows next week after it warms up. May only drive the tractor through and use the tire ruts for reference, but at least I'll have the right width if we are able to use it for cultivating.

[tst]

26R battery is 12 volt, that is a 6 volt tractor unless it has been converted to 12 volt

[customcutter]

26R battery is 12 volt, that is a 6 volt tractor unless it has been converted to 12 volt

Thanks, yes it has an alternator and has been converted to 12v.