This tractor is my favorite because it is loaded with history. First off, Gramps bought it used for $75 in Waverly, IA in the early 60's. He had purchased land in extreme northern MN and it was to be used as transportation along 8 miles of old logging road to and from the property where he eventually built a log cabin. It was later used in tandem with a 1946 Willys Jeep (which I now own) to bring people and supplies into the Cabin
Reviving the old beast after a decade of disuse.
During the late 1970's, transportation to and from the Cabin became possible by boat. The tractor soon fell into disuse only being revived a couple of times to drag a log in for firewood. After Gramps gave me the Jeep on my 13th birthday (1990), I became interested in getting the AW running as well. A thorough cleaning of the mag, new plugs and plug wires, fresh oil and a new oil filter, a new oil pump shaft coupler and a good deal of cranking on the flywheel brought her back to life.
Gramps watches me do the hard work - cranking on the flywheel. I couldn't get her to fire. Gramps took over (showing the young buck how it's done) and she fired up for the first time in a decade.
Remarkably, the tires still held air, though they were looking shabby. Gramps took her for a quick spin, and then I hopped aboard for the first time. What a thrill! After letting her run a while, we shut her down. We were in for a rude surprise the following summer.
My first time driving the old tractor; an historic moment!
Whether it was our enthusiasm over getting the tractor running or shear forgetfulness, we neglected to drain the water from the engine block. During the winter, the frozen lake water inside created 2 cracks in the block the size of the San Andreas. The head was also badly cracked. She sat for another couple of years as we decided what to do - weld or replace.
A trip to the LeSeuer, MN Swap Meet in 1999 netted us a good looking block and head, along with a pair of good looking pistons. I decided not to replace the pistons, and all the goodies were transported back to the cabin. Armed with a new set of gaskets, the installation process went surprisingly smooth. With every bolt tightened, I went down to the lake for a few buckets of water.
I poured the water in and understandably, the old hoses leaked. I removed the crankcase cover and peered inside; my heart dropped as I found water leaking into the crankcase. As it turned out, the old pushrod tubes that are pressed into the head were shot and thus leaking. I removed the head and all associated equipment (AGAIN!), brought it back home, and installed new tubes (a lesson learned). With the head reinstalled, and water filling the engine, I was relieved to discover all internal leaks were gone
The engine is back together. See the color difference? A little WD-40 and a rag will match the old paint to the repainted head and block! The rear rim is off because we needed to have it fitted with a new tire.
It was such a great feeling to hear the old AW fire up after the trouble we brought on ourselves. The oil guage even registered healthy oil pressure. During the time we were replacing the block and head, the right rear tire blew. It happened to be a 36" tire and it took a few years to find a good used one. Grandpa Morrie found it for me at an auction, and he bought it for $5! I bought a new tube and mounted this tire on the rim. That will be installed this summer (2000), and she'll be ready to putt-putt down the trails it once traveled decades ago.
I'm not sure what Gramp's plans are for this tractor. I hope to drive it out of the woods soon, as it is too big for use up there anymore - the trails have grown narrower now that they are used only for snowmobiles in he winter. Perhaps he'll sell it, or maybe I'll have the opportunity to restore it. We'll see what happens.
