Farmall Cub

See if you can turn engine over by turning fan blades . May be less obvious than rocking tractor.

If you have or can borrow a hand crank, take that with you. Much simpler to check for a stuck engine.

I have been into cubs since I was 5 years old and Im 58 now. All the 1978 and 1979 cubs I have ever seen have been red with blue stripe. I also went to the IH dealership with my grandfather ( who use to be a dealer ) back in 79. they had a few brand new cubs on the show room floor that were red. the price tag reflected 6900 dollars with fast hitch. The only yellow cubs on the floor were the loboys. I must have missed something over the years.

1978 New International Cub. Original paint and dealer sticker.

danovercash wrote:See if you can turn engine over by turning fan blades . May be less obvious than rocking tractor.

Wouldn't the fanhub just spin around under the belt? Unless its really tight.

I am meeting with the owner Saturday. He now sounds more flexible since I have another '74 Cub lined up if we don't come to an agreement on Saturday. I am not touching it unless we come to an agreement on price. That was a great point to make.
I am bringing a pony tank to get a quick clean start. He has a new battery. I hope everything checks out.
I appreciate all the great advise. The fact is, if he is telling the truth, he can not even speak for the condition of the tractor when he received it. He never used it for anything. I will let you know how this ends up. Thanks again for all the help.

Tim, It looks like a nice tractor. Good luck with the negotiations.

Bob

havoc1482 wrote:

danovercash wrote:See if you can turn engine over by turning fan blades . May be less obvious than rocking tractor.

Wouldn't the fanhub just spin around under the belt? Unless its really tight.

When spinning the fanhub with one hand Push against the belt with the other hand so the belt doesn't slip.

Kirk

Get your agreement in writting. I don't work on other peoples tractor.I when to look at a Ran when parked. Owner and I agreed on a price even shook hands. I asked him if I could try to get it start because the winch on my trailer was broke. it took me about 20 minutes to get it running. I told him I would be back tommorow to pick it up. He called the next morning with some bad new, he said his son wanted to keep the tractor. I said I understand and if he wants to keep it in the family. Two weeks later i see the ad for the tractor it now reads runs and drives, for double the money. I called the owner I dealt with and he said I gave it to his son if he wants to sell it it's his choice. After a few choice words on my part he quickly hung. Any time I start one now the paperwork is in my hand. And as I'm driving it on my trailer I can't believe how many times from ownerI hear, if I new it would start so eazy I would have asked more money for it.

Kirk

havoc1492, Kirk, when moving fan watch for crank pulley to turn with it .

yeah the guy didnt want it because he couldnt get it to run. you got it running in a few minutes and then he wanted it. Real kreep!!!never get it to run till after its paid for a receipt in hand!

There is no way I would try to get that thing to run until it was paid for and sitting in my shop......

Al

First, figure what your budget is for a tractor that will do the work you have. Subtract (at least) $500 for repairs that will be necessary on any used machine to get it into reasonable running condition. The net amount remaining is your offer for the equipment provided you are confident there's no major deficiencies that are being hidden.

For the machine you identified, I would not go above $1600 to 1800 depending on the extras...shipping, implements, extra parts and accessories, etc.

It is a great looking tractor. I, however, would not pay his asking price even if it did run but that's just me. Since it's a non runner, definitely not. Like RIcky and others mentioned, if it's such a simple fix then why isn't it fixed? My guess is it's locked up, has a rod knock, or something majorly wrong, he may have driven it without oil pressure when it mysteriously died. Figuring the worst case scenario I would offer about half the asking price and not go over $2400.

I don't think I would even attempt to start it. I'd give it a push while in gear, just to see if the engine turns. I'd even do this acting dumb, not with the open intent to see if the engine is stuck. If that crank shaft turns, and the engine's not locked up, I'd stop, make the deal, and get it on the trailer! If you get it running while there, it's a whole different ballgame, and all negotiations will completely change. If you get it running there, expect to pay the price he's asking. If you don't, you might save $1000.

Besides, if it really hasn't run for over a year, I would want to change the oil, prime the oil pump, clean the carb, install new spark plugs and do a whole tune-up prior to actually running the engine. Doing anything else will just further contaminate the engine and potentially cause more problems!

Even if there's a rod knocking, that tractor would be worth the money to rebuild the engine!