Carb woes

[lmcilravy]

Bought a 1949 Cub the other day at auction. Got is started, but seems to have very little power. I cleaned the Carb, no luck, still no power. It literally will not pull third gear on the flat. The carb is not tight at all. could this be the problem? Also the center two plugs fire when tested, however the engine runs exactly the same when those two wires are pulled off the plug. I am befuddled. Any help?

[Don McCombs]

Doesn't sound like a carburetor problem to me. Have you done a compression check?

[Lurker Carl]

Since it's a new-to-you tractor, time for a complete tune up - fuel system, ignition system, valve adjustment, compression test - the whole 9 yards. Change all the fluids as well.

[Trent M]

Have you checked for sticking valves? Also the valve tappet clearances? Simple procedure that could produce favorable results.

[Eugene]

Since it's a new-to-you tractor, time for a complete tune up - fuel system, ignition system, valve adjustment, compression test - the whole 9 yards. Change all the fluids as well.

Yup on what Carl said.

Welcome to the site.

Read the Welcome Wagon and above all obtain the manuals on the Cub. Maintenace and service manual for sure. The manuals can be down loaded free on this site.

[George Willer]

Your firing order is reversed. Swap wires #2 and #3. Report the result please.

[Hengy]

Welcome to the best darned forum on the whole WWW, lmc! You will love it here... some of the best folks I know populate this site!

I like that tip by George Willer...

Good luck with your Cub! You are gonna have so much fun!

Mike in La Crosse, WI

[Bob Grieb]

Welcome to the Cub Forum. You will find that there is not a problem that can't be resolved.

I ma anxious to hear how your problem is fixed.

Enjoy your new Cub

[George Willer]

If swapping the plug wires doesn't cure it you can expect a blown head gasket between the two cylinders.

[schmibm]

I am with George, I am betting head gasket.

[Rick Spivey]

I am also with George, but I am betting swapping 2 and 3 does it.

[schmibm]

Any updates???

[LiL' Red]

Bought a 1949 Cub the other day at auction. Got is started, but seems to have very little power. I cleaned the Carb, no luck, still no power. It literally will not pull third gear on the flat. The carb is not tight at all. could this be the problem? Also the center two plugs fire when tested, however the engine runs exactly the same when those two wires are pulled off the plug. I am befuddled. Any help?

The carb is not tight at all? If the carb to manifold is not tight or warped you will have a vacuum leak. Hard starting and a lack of power would result. Please let us know what "not tight at all" means.