"BUBBA" '48 SA Lives!!!

[Dale Finch]

Yesterday I was so anxious, I almost went home instead of trying to start Bubba, my '48 SA that has been in the "hospital" for the last 6 months, being (almost) totally rebuilt. I didn't want to find out I had REALLY screwed something up big time! Finally, I managed to get on him and see if he would start. (I did take a short video, but don't know how to post it!...Bigdog, HELP!)

Before I tried, I realized I had to adjust the clutch pedal/throwout bearing clearance. (The clutch had already been set, but not the pedal freeplay):




The first start attempts were failures, so I started to track down where I was losing the power. Looked like the distributor was the culprit, but as hard as I looked, I couldn't find the cause. Finally I noticed that the coil wire connector, where it attaches to the terminal, was touching the inside wall of the distributor housing. I bent it away, and tried again. HE STARTED RIGHT UP!!!!!

I checked oil pressure...GOOD. I checked charging...GOOD. I checked transmission...all gears...GOOD. I checked the touch control...GOOD, both halves. Checked PTO...GOOD (after I realized the correct position of the lever...tried to pull it further aft than necessary), including the belt drive, too!

In fact there were only a few problems :
1. Front seal seems to be leaking:

2. Front transmission seal seems to be leaking
3. Left rear Differential seal seems to be leaking
4. Oil pan seems to have a small leak near a bolt hole (and of course I sold my "spare" one!!!)...see the drip:


5. Fuel strainer is leaking slightly.

Planned action:
1. I knew about #3, and had already ordered the seal. It was overlooked when I rebuilt the left final: only 6 bolts to remove, pop in the new seal, and close him back up!
2. The oil pan will be removed and repaired.
3. & 4. These were just about the only things I had not repaired or replaced, so just my luck!!! Right now, I plan to leave them, run Bubba, see just how bad they are, and go from there.
5. Fuel strainer has a new screen and gasket, but I need to work on it some more. At least the shut-off works well!

After I had him warmed up, I readjusted the valves, since they were supposed to be done hot:



I am finishing repairing the grill, and should have that and the hood painted soon. The peddle guard will go on once I have checked the brakes. And there are just a few other little things, but all-in-all, I am VERY happy!!!!

Thanks to all who answered my MANY questions, and offered help and advice...without you and this forum, I wouldn't have had the nerve to start a second ('55 Cub last year), larger project!!

[Yogie]

Very nice Dale, I've enjoyed all the postings ad pictures along the way. Compared to the SA the cub will be a breeze now.
See you soon !
Yogie

[BigBill]

Nice Super A, i been eyeing super a's for a while now. Someday i'll save up enough $$ to sneak one in the yard by the misses maybe if i hide my fcub she won't see its a super A.

My neighbor told me my int154 with the 60'' deck is too big for my two acres. I figure a super a with the 90'' deck would let me save even more time in cutting the grass? I hate mowing now and even as a kid. Bill

[Dale Finch]

My neighbor told me my int154 with the 60'' deck is too big for my two acres. I figure a super a with the 90'' deck would let me save even more time in cutting the grass? I hate mowing now and even as a kid. Bill

[Harold R]

Good job Dale.

[Josh Blair]

to post a video it has to be on youtube. click on the youtube bars on the full editor and copy and paste everything after v=

[Pabst]

Great job Dale really enjoyed the step by step. Pabst