wiring

[whitewolf33]

We have a 53?maybe older farmall cub. problem is it will run for about 15 mins and shut off, the battery goes down and even with a jump it will not restart. Is this possibly an electric or fuel problem? Also is the positive side of the battery supposed to be connected to the frame with the negative side to the post on the starter. This is how it is on our tractor and we were told this is right?

[Bigdog]

If you still have the 6 volt system then positive ground is correct. As far as why it stops and will not re-start - can you give us some more information? Does it die suddenly? Does the engine crank over with the starter easily after it dies?
You need to determine whether you are missing fuel or spark when the engine dies. Probably the easiest test is to remove a wire from one of the sparkplugs when it dies and hold it close to the tractor body while having someone try to start the tractor. You should be able to get a bright blue spark at least 3/8" to 1/2" long. If not, it is likely an ignition problem. Which can be a bad coil, condenser or other ignition component.
The other thing you can easily do is to remove the plug from the side of the carburetor bowl and see if you get a steady flow of fuel for at least several seconds. If not, you likely have a fuel supply problem. That can be anything from a plugged vent in the fuel tank cap to dirt and crud in the tank.
Once you know what is missing, we can give you hints on how to pin it down and fix it.

Welcome to the board by the way!

[beaconlight]

Yes old Cubs used 6 volt positive ground as did many cars and trucks of the time. Do you have a 6 volt or 12 volt battery? Is your starter 6 volt or 12 volt? The fact that it starts at all makes me believe the starter and battery are the same voltage.As far as running a while and stopping it could be either fuel or electric. Do you have any spark at the plugs? If not do you have spark at the wire that plugs into the dist from the coil? To be considered spark it must be at least 3/8 1/2 inch and blue. A white or yellow spark is no good. The most common cause on an old tractor is dirty or misgapped points or a weak or bad coil that cuts out when warmed. A loose connection at the coil or dist of the low voltage wire, the little one between them can do it too. Check those things out and then if still in trouble get back to us. You will find it helpful to read the intductory info at the beginning of the cub page.

Bill

[whitewolf33]

Thanks everybody Im going to try all of your remedies this weekend. maybe I can get her running, I miss driving her.