Winter projects = Mini Fest!?

[Dale Finch]

I'm sitting here at my farm waiting for the dew to dry on the approximately 8 acres that I want to give a final winter "hair" cut. That way, when spring comes, the new grass has a nice trim "carpet" to grow through.

I had time to start thinking about my winter projects, which include a rear seal replacement; the third of 3 cubs. Thanks Tim (tst) for supplying those reworked rear seals. Hopefully after that I won't need to keep the drip pan handy after working a tractor! I was originally planning on taking 2 tractors to DSCF, one cub for this rear seal swap, and my '48 Super A to get it running again. Instead, I decided to do the rear seal swap here, and only take the SA to Florida (assuming Mr E will pt it on the Projects List).

So, after I finish this final mowing, I will load "BEN" onto the trailer and take him home, where I am fortunate enough to have a large 2-car garage with a nice workbench.

After the seal swap, and while apart, I plan to check the clutch finger adjustments, throwout bearing (TOB) condition and grease it. Then I will do a complete servicing, including fluid changes, checking points, plugs, and valve clearances, and checking timing with a timing light.

One reason for rambling on about this is that I am inviting anyone who might like to assist in and, hopefully, learn about a project they have not yet tackled (or are just crazy enough to want to give me a hand!). Also, I have always hoped more females would get into the actual "nuts and bolts" of these tractors, since they are fairly simple and managable for a woman to deal with.

So, if anyone is interested in joining me, let me know. You are welcome to bring any sons and/or daughters or wives or husbands!! Make it a family affair! I have a spare bedroom if you want to come for more than one day, or you can stay out at our farm (15 minutes away).

[Smokeycub]

If'n ya wernt so dadgum fer away, I'd come jist te hep ya! lol!

[Dale Finch]

Just wait until that first blizzard is forcast, and you and your family may feel differently about heading south for a visit! That 9 hour drive will look fine!!! I'll keep an eye on the forcast, and turn that porch light on!!

[Lt.Mike]

If you weren’t more than one state away I wouldn’t hesitate to make the run.
It’s a shame we’re all spread out like we are for things like this. Really wish I was a lot closer to a lot of folks on the forum
When I saw mini-fest I got a chuckle though.
I’m digging in hard to finish work on my pickup so I can get to my tractors. Ive got to swap out a magneto and front end on my A and mount the snowplow I picked up a couple years ago for it, then mount the plow on my Cub which decided to develop a starter issue. I think the contact studs worn away.
I also promised my neighbor I’d get the Cub he’s had sitting for 3 years running, mount a snowplow and weight set so his kid can plow this winter.
Mini-fest ?

[Dale Finch]

Whew!! I'm so exhausted just reading YOUR list of projects, I may just have to take tomorrow off from getting my garage ready to receive "Ben" for MY projects!!

[Dale Finch]

OK! The garage is scrubbed, plastic and cardboard are down to protect the enameled concrete floor, and I just bought a new mechanics rolling stool, so no more squatting! If it's not raining too hard this weekend, I'll trailer the '55 Cub home from the farm.

I checked the HOW TO's and did not see one for the whole process of rear engine seal swap, so will probably plan to document this...it will include the split, seal swap, clutch and throwout checks/adjustments, and reassembly, plus full servicing...fluids, tune-up, etc.

I would like to repeat my invitation to anyone to join me in the "fun" (I happen to love tinkering with these beasties!). I would also be happy to work with any young adults (male or female) who may have any interest in learning some important skills. The fun starts next week!

[CharlieK]

good winter project,Dale

[dgrapes59]

Wow, what a great opportunity for someone to learn about Cubs, I hope someone takes you up on your offer! If you haven't worked on Cubs with Dale, your missing out, she's very thorough and helpful.

Best of luck with your project,

[Papa's Cub]

I checked the HOW TO's and did not see one for the whole process of rear engine seal swap, so will probably plan to document this...it will include the split, seal swap, clutch and throwout checks/adjustments, and reassembly, plus full servicing...fluids, tune-up, etc.

Dale, I hope you will document this mini-fest project so folks like me who have never took a cub apart can get a visual of how to proceed. I'm currently working on a 1953 cub (Annie Mae). Hope to have it running soon then I want to make some serious repairs to my 1966 cub (Bonnie Lou). It needs an engine overhaul, new seals and gaskets everywhere and brake repair. I'm thankful to all who have the skill, the time and desire to produce "How To"'s so others like me can benefit. Thanks, Tom.

[Dale Finch]

Tom, I will definitely document it...thanks for your comments. I see you are about 4 hours or less from Sneads, FL, where each Feb there is a really great Cubfest, DSCF (Deep South CubFest). If you have never been, it is a great chance to see first hand how to do some of the common projects needed to keep these tractors running!

Bring one of your tractors, and you will have quite a selection of "experts" help diagnose problems and help repair them. Maybe I will see you there?!

[Papa's Cub]

[quote="Dale Finch"] I see you are about 4 hours or less from Sneads, FL, where each Feb there is a really great Cubfest, DSCF (Deep South CubFest). If you have never been, it is a great chance to see first hand how to do some of the common projects needed to keep these tractors running! My wife and I attended a DSCF 4 or 5 years ago and I was impressed with the comradery of all the participants as well as the various projects that were undertaken. That weekend was especially meaningful for me because Barnyard introduced me to several of the members who regularly post on this forum. Now, when I read the forum I can put a face on the writer. Bill pointed you out to me as well. You and a few others were busy reinstalling rear end gears in a housing. In addition to meeting a few members that day, I felt welcomed as a forum member. Sadly my wife has developed several health issues which have prevented us from attending recent events. Hopefully there's a cubfest in our future, Tom.

[Dale Finch]

Tom, I hope the holiday season finds your wife feeling better!

As for Ben, I brought him home from the farm yesterday, and since it was finally warm, I gave him a long, much-needed bath, before I start working on him. I haven't decided if I should post as I go along, or wait until the job is done. I plan to do a FULL service per the manual after I finish the split for the rear seal, so it will be a while before I am finished.

The advantage of posting as I go along is that you guys might see something I forgot to do, or correct something I am doing wrong. The advantage for waiting until complete is I can keep the post more concise.

What do y'all think?

[Clubless]

Post as you go

[UK-Cub]

Dale,

Please post as you go.

If you wait till the end you will possibly miss something out that was tricky/difficult at the time but which you overcame, and then feel was insignificant, often those things are really important.

Either way I'm looking forward to your post.

Sorry I'm not a State, rather an Ocean away.

Kind regards,

[rockfarmer]

Post em up Dale!