44 LA first test fire... long post and pic

[farmeracb]

Got the LA running for the first time today, I work on tractors for a living but this is my first personal trator that isnt red. I will have to say, its a pretty neat, and stout, tractor. Have a few questions that came to mind during the day.
1. Intake frosts up about the first 2 inches from the carb. is this normal for these without a load? I have had random other tractors do this but never really tried to make one stop.
2. Seems like the right side of the engine where the tops of the pistons would end up rings or drones, cant explain very well, sleeves were well used but very little ridge, did have to polish up a few nasty spots and hone, piston clearance mabee?
3. How and the heck is the seat sposed to be set up. i understand the spring part, but what holds it in what looks like an adjustment slot?
4. Last, for now, my poor H got a workout turning that thing over to get oil pressure. I had to help it get the belt started rolling with the starter on the LA to keep from killin the H or smokin my endless. are these engines that hard to turn over? ive got the mains and con rods set about .004 or 5, tractor fuel cylinder head, low comp pistons. and what do you guys but on your endless belts to soften them up a little or condition them? mine is pretty dry and smoked it a few times, would rather it lasted another 50 years Adam

 

[AllanC]

You don't show the manifold side but if you just have the cold manifold it will frost up there and there really isn't a cure other than working and warming it up.
The seat is supposed to have a bolt with a handle on the nut so you can slide it side to side and lock it where you want.
They should turn over pretty easy once the rings are run in. They were made to hand crank.
 

[jon f mn]

Go to tractor supply or fleet store or hardware store that has farm stuff and get "belt dressing". It comes in either spray cans or pint or quarts with squirt tops. Only a few bucks a can.
 

[Tommy Railsback]

That bolt has a square head too.