Engine rebuild tips?

[farmergiffIV]

Hi there,

So I've decided I'm going to rebuild my '53 cub engine. I wonder if there are any special tips. I am going to dismantle the engine as much as possible before I take it into the machine shop. Keep in mind I've never been inside an engine before besides removing the head from my '48. (that is probably the last thing I may do even if I remove the head on the '53) I figured I would read the shop manual first and probably do a rear split, that way the engine can slide off the transmission rod while still attached to the front axle. Then from there I would drop the oil pan and see how far I can get before I pull the engine off the front axle and take into shop. While I got the tractor apart and engine in the shop, I will probably replace the T'O'B and the rear main seal but not sure if I should do the whole 9 yards on the back half of the tractor, might be worth it to do the old gaskets around the transmission since they are original and pretty oily otherwise nothing is really causing any problems. Any tips or thoughts on this is appreciated, do I need any tools to get the engine apart? I plan to label and bag all the pieces for my mechanic who will reassemble the engine for me after doing all the machine shop work.

Thanks again!

[Glen]

Hi,
Yes, read the engine section in the GSS-1411 service manual, it has much info.

[Larry in WNY]

Are you sure about your compression numbers? One post was 70-90. Another was 120 and higher. I would try another compression gage and redo it. If you have anything over 110 rebuilding isn't necessary. A new engine is around 125. Mine was 90-100 so I rebuilt it.
Larry

[Eugene]

Larry makes a good point, double check the compression tests. Also work the tractor for a while and try the SeaFoam.

It will take some shop equipment, supplies, and space, just to split the tractor. And then, you will need the same items to reassemble the tractor.

Suggest getting help from an experienced mechanic or dropping the complete tractor off at a shop that specializes in farm tractors.

[Mike in Louisiana]

Make sure the oil galley plugs are put back in if the machine does any work.
Engine stand in shop is a big plus and usually avail for free most auto parts stores.

[jsfarmall]

If you are taking it apart from the tractor regardless, I would take the front axle off before tearing into the engine itself. My first cub was rebuilt with the engine sitting on a 5 gallon bucket. Don't need high dollar fancy stuff. Can make this game easier at times but not necessary. Chain hoist from a strong tree limb has pulled more motors in this world than an engine lift ever dreamed of. With emphasis on STRONG. A little imagination, there is not a thing on these cubs can't be done with the most basic of tools.

[xraycajun]

I bought a shop lift for mine. I used the lift to pull the front end off the tractor with the bell housing resting on a 4x4 supported by jack stands. I rolled the front of the tractor to the wall and put stands under the front axle. I then used the lift to move the engine off the bell housing. I set some 2x4's on the shop floor and was able to disassemble on the floor over some clean cardboard.

[inairam]

I do not think your compression numbers indicate a rebuild.

I like motor cycle lifts to lift the tractor.