I decided to use the 6v battery out of my Willys Jeep rather than buy another one. I used a short 1 guage cable for the ground and located a fat 00 guage cable for the positive terminal. I also bought a new solenoid for the starter. Now that everything was hooked up, it was time to attempt to start the tractor.
(Click on thumbnails for a larger view.)
I had to deal with a few smaller projects before I attempted to start the engine. As mentioned before, there was a stuck valve to free up and a broken valve to replace. I removed the head while fixing the valves and replaced the head gaskets in the process.
Co-conspirators.
Getting a tow.
Enjoying the ride.
I think I heard it pop.
Adjusting the carb setting.
Here is the first movement under her own power - reverse gear works!
This tractor was converted to 12v and I wanted to revert back to the original 6v generator which I received when I bought the tractor. I needed to locate a 6v coil, and found one at a salvage yard. I then cleaned up the starter and generator and reinstalled them.
I did not need to replace any wiring, and it was all in good working order. The push-botton start switch on the instrument panel did not work, but the new solenoid had a push-button switch to manually activate it. The starter spun over with good speed, but it was obvious there was no compression in the cylinders. My friend suggested we use a chain to tow the tractor behind his Allis-Chalmers D-14; this way we could get more RPM out of the engine and hopefully work up some compression.
My buddy drove the Allis and I worked the hand clutch on the R. We did not need to tow the tractor very far before the engine popped off. When I released the clutch, it would slowly die. I engaged the clutch again and she popped off, then started dying. I did this as the tractor was pulled for about 1/4 mile; it finally started up and continued running. We had not put any water in the radiator yet, so after a minute or so, I shut the engine down. We drove up to the well and poured water in - what a pleasnt surprise to find the radiator, hoses, and fittings were all tight
After adding water, we restarted the tractor with the D-14. My friend fiddled with the carb needle settings to obtain a smooth idle and check the transition from idle to high speed. Then it was my turn to try driving the tractor for the first time. Reverse first: no gear grinds, and the clutch operated smoothly. There was very little if any bearing noise. Next 1st, then 2nd, and 3rd gears - all worked just as well as reverse.
In trying 4th gear, I discovered that the engine was going to need some additional attention. In going from 3rd to 4th on a flat grade, the engine labored to pick up speed. On a downgrade, it was no problem; trying to climb a hill...well, that was out of the question. It was lacking power to put it lightly. After a few weeks of driving the tractor, having changed the oil and added some Marvel Mystery Oil, the lack of power suddenly disappeared in a blast of smoke. I was out driving, turning into the driveway in 4th gear; when I advanced the throttle, it didn't bog like it had before, but let out a loud bark and a blast of smoke and it roared right on down the gravel. I think a valve or two finally worked itself free allowing the engine to breathe better. Whatever happened, it's running much better now.
I finally bought a belt for the generator and replaced the fan belt at the same time. I also bought a braided cable for the ground and I put a fresh charge on the battery. With those changes, I was able to start the tractor with the starter. The ammeter didn't indicate a charge so I grounded the field post to polarize the generator. The ammeter then indicated a reverse charge. It was then that I learned the R had a positive ground, not negative. I reversed the battery terminals, repolarized the generator and this cured the problem.
You'll notice from the pictures this tractor had a straight pipe. I bought a muffler and installed that which really quieted everything down (obviously). As a result, new noises could be heard, one of which sounds very much like I have severly worn rod bearings. This tractor is going to need significant engine work eventually. My next step is to evaluate if indeed the rod bearings are worn or if something else needs attention first. Keep checking back to read about recent progress.
