Smokin cub

[willie65]

1974 IH cub smokes , but runs amazingly good! I have been thinking overhaul, but oil is cheaper. I know I am coming up short on power , so whats your thoughts oil or overhaul!

[Bob McCarty]

If you do a wet and dry compression test, you can determine if it's rings or valves. Sometimes running the tractor hard with Seafoam in the fuel and oil will help too. When was the last tuneup with plugs, points, etc?

Bob

[willie65]

I have no idea when last tune up was performed. I bought last summer , all I have done is changed oil and filter.

[Glen]

Hi,
A tune up can help the power. The ignition timing being wrong can make it have less power.
The timing needs setting with a timing light.
The points need to be good, old burned points make it not run good.
If it burns oil, the spark plugs could be fouled some, that can make it not run good too.
Here are pages from the Cub owner's manual showing how to replace the points in a Battery Ignition Unit. The info is on the right side of the 1st page, the left side is info about a magneto.
The 3rd page is from the Cub service manual and shows how to time the engine. Set the timing at mark number 1 at low idle speed, should be 475 RPM, the book says.
Paragraphs 10, 11, and 12 are talking about something else.
I would use the oil and fuel additive too, and see if it improves the oil burning over time.

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.clea ... age-30.jpg

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.clea ... age-31.jpg

http://www.farmallcub.info/manuals/gss- ... 001-43.jpg

[Eugene]

Tough question to answer. Suggest doing the tune up and the Sea Foam treatment, see what happens.

My Cub uses some oil and loses a bit of oil from the rear main seal. I have other tractors that use or lose oil. Tractors run fine. Frankly, less expensive to replace the oil than to fix the problem(s).

[inairam]

I would do the compression test and turn up as recommend above and try Seafoam in the oil and gas.

After you do the compression test I would squirt seafoam in each of the cylinders before you put back the spark plugs. Let is soak down to the rings for a few hours or over night until you run it. Try the seafoam for tank or two of gas and then reassess where you are with the engine.

[Scrivet]

Valve adjustment would be something I would check along with the tuneup. It's not going to solve your oil problem, but misadjusted valves can affect power.

[outdoors4evr]

Throwing a new set of rings into a cub isn't that expensive, until you realize that you have to remove the hood to do the job.
It's the "While I am here" that gets expensive! Once in there, you start having the do it cheap or do it right (expensive) discussion in your head.

[Tezell]

I would adjust the valves and do a complete tune up. Use the Sea Foam and change the oil to Delo 15W40 and work the stew out it. I would bet you will see a power difference and less smoke. I would not consider an over haul until I ran it awhile.

[Bone]

If you do not have any history on it its best to perform the tune up as mentioned above.(plugs, wires,adjust valves and timing). If it does not get any better at least you know its set to specs.

[lliberto]

Can someone tell me a little more about sea foam. I've heard you can add it to both the gas and the oil. Has anyone done both at the same time?

[Bill Hudson]

... I've heard you can add it to both the gas and the oil. Has anyone done both at the same time?

Sure, add according to directions on the can. Can't hurt and it often helps.

Bill

[lliberto]

... I've heard you can add it to both the gas and the oil. Has anyone done both at the same time?

Sure, add according to directions on the can. Can't hurt and it often helps.

Bill

Thanks Bill

[brewzalot]

I've heard you can add it to both the gas and the oil. Has anyone done both at the same time?

I'd like to see the funnel for that!

[SONNY]

Seafoam never did anything for me,--but do a comp. check, wet and dry.---run tractor until warm and check to see if it changes. ---like said --hardest thing about the ring job is getting the hood off.----you can always throw in a set of rings at any time.--- also how is the oil pressure??? good/ok, but could be better/or just bad!Lots of things to consider. -- if tractor had been sitting for any length of time, it may come out of the smoke with hard use! thanks; sonny