Farmall Cub

So, I took apart my Super A. First thing I noticed was that #2 was blacker than the rest, suggesting a valve issue. I also found that missing lash adjustment jam nut, it had fallen off and was sitting in the bottom of the head. I really haven't thought of anything to do at this point. I was so excited about taking it apart that I never really thought of a goal haha. I know I'm gonna need new pushrods and gaskets. Does anyone have any suggestions of thing I can do while I have the tractor in its current condition? I can also inspect the carb, but I have a feeling its just fine.

I would do an in tractor engine rebuild. New rings, rod and main inserts, lap the valves.

Okay, so I've never done anything like this before. Piston rings? Piston rods? What are the procedures? Lapping the valves looks easy enough. I don't have the tools required to measure small parts. The tractor ran pretty damn good before I did this, it was just having a valve issue. I don't want to end up biting off more than I can chew at the moment because I am really green at this whole engine business.

Mike, if you've never done rings or bearings, it would be a good idea to find somebody nearby that's done it to help you. It's not hard, but if you don't do things right, you can really goof things up.

twotone wrote:Mike, if you've never done rings or bearings, it would be a good idea to find somebody nearby that's done it to help you. It's not hard, but if you don't do things right, you can really goof things up.

Fortunately, that can be arranged. Car buddy of mine, old timer, has had lots of time on older car engines. GM V8s mostly

That would be great, Mike. Like I said, not hard, but some special tools are required. I'd say a 1948 SA would be "old timer" friendly!

that's a wet sleeve engine, so typically you would not put rings in it - you would install a sleeve and piston kit. the condition of the sleeves determines what you need to do. if the sleeves are in good shape - rust, scoring, and wear wise, and the tractor ran good with good power and no smoke, then its likely that a valve job is all that's necessary. your engine friend can look it over and guide you further.

it's curious that it bent push rods. that typically happens if a motor has sat for a long time and stuck a valve, or on a new rebuild if the valve guides are too tight, or someone lost the special center rocker arm bolt with the oil hole in it - starving the top of the motor. let us know what the head issues are.

Well the sleeves look good, and the tractor never smoked or has a power issue. The bent pushrod (only had one bend) also had its jamnut come off somehow and I found it in the bottom of the head next the hole where the rod exits the head and enters area below. I really can't explain it. Also still have water getting into the oil, I just can't figure it out. I'm positive its not coolant.

havoc1482 wrote:Also still have water getting into the oil, I just can't figure it out. I'm positive its not coolant.

Condensation?

Don McCombs wrote:

havoc1482 wrote:Also still have water getting into the oil, I just can't figure it out. I'm positive its not coolant.

Condensation?

No way, unless condensation builds up really fast. I changed the oil a little over a month ago and when I dumped the oil out yesterday, it was very milky and I had clear water dripping on my hands as I started loosening the drain plug. Water must be getting into it somehow. Melting snow on the block when I plow and its somehow getting in and staying?

By way of the manifold , I am thinking it has a hole in it letting water in !, Bent push rods are common on the 123 and 113 engines down here. I am sure you have an issue with the valve or seat looking at the pics

Okay so, how do I remove the valve springs? Isn't there a tool? Is it expensive? What do you guys recommend?

Also, what can I do to completely clean the head? Some sort of solvent bath and let it soak? Manually and tediously scrub it down? I know car guys power-wash them haha, but that's out of the question because its too cold for that.

mike, why don't you bring the head down to me and i'll take it apart - check it out. I've got a spare head that's all done - ready to bolt on as well as push rods and spare rocker arms. we'll sort it out

Okay, I got the valves and springs off the head. The valve that had the bent pushrod was really stuck. The other ones I could push out with my fingers but that one I had to ever so gently tap out with a rubber mallet.

Artc, what do you think? I put retainers, valves and springs in their own separate baggies labeled 1-8. I wouldn't mind bringing it to you, you're only an hour from where I live. Would you also want me to bring the rockers and pushrods? I'd just hate to impose on you with my lack of knowledge.

bring it all down, we can look it over and see what It needs. i'll pm you