What to expect from a tractor that’s been sitting for 4 to 5 years

[PackerHogrefe]

It’s a Farmall super M that I believe ran when they put it in the shed but it hasn’t been driving in at least 3 years I inherited it when my grandpa died last year and I’m now trying to get it home we live 4 hours away so we got to put it on a trailer so I would like to get it running before I know the battery is shot and I will probably need to clean out the fuel tank and change oil maybe new spark plugs? Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[wwoodrow]

It’s a Farmall super M that I believe ran when they put it in the shed but it hasn’t been driving in at least 3 years I inherited it when my grandpa died last year and I’m now trying to get it home we live 4 hours away so we got to put it on a trailer so I would like to get it running before I know the battery is shot and I will probably need to clean out the fuel tank and change oil maybe new spark plugs? Any suggestions? ThanksView attachment 152673

Nice looking M !

 

[Mrfred54]

Sorry about your grandfather. Sounds like you got it covered for things to get it running. Also remove the drain plug from the carburetor after you put clean fuel in it to make sure it comes out clean. The inlet line fitting should have a screen on it when you thread it out of the carburetor. Looks like it has been converted to twelve volt. Possibly will have to clean up the points after sitting that long. If you change the points leave the old condenser in place. New condensers are junk from chi%&%. That's a nice looking super M

 

[504]

Take a flat trailer, it’s almost impossible to get an M on a car trailer with the wheels dished out (most are dished out) trailer with fenders is right at 82 inches

 

[old]

Nice looking M !

First thing I would do to it is fill all 4 cylinders with ATF and pull it home that way. That way the ATF can free up sticking rings and valves etc.

 

[used red MN]

It’s a Farmall super M that I believe ran when they put it in the shed but it hasn’t been driving in at least 3 years I inherited it when my grandpa died last year and I’m now trying to get it home we live 4 hours away so we got to put it on a trailer so I would like to get it running before I know the battery is shot and I will probably need to clean out the fuel tank and change oil maybe new spark plugs? Any suggestions? ThanksView attachment 152673

Hello PackerH…, welcome to YT! If you are the type that just can’t stand the thought of getting zapped by a stray ignition spark a common automotive test light is your friend. Test the terminal on the side of the distributor. When the points are working when they are closed and grounding it that terminal should not have power. When the points are open it should show power. When you crank the engine it should flash on and off quickly. When you get to that point your can be fairly sure you have spark, check for spark out of the coil wire and the plug wires is the for certain way.

 

[Farmall M 248]

Nice Super M ,it’s an early one!

 

[560Dennis]

Buying Your First Tractor: Choosing the Right One

forums.yesterdaystractors.com

This is in the YT resource header with others. They will help you understand the process of going over your tractor.

 

[PackerHogrefe]

Hello PackerH…, welcome to YT! If you are the type that just can’t stand the thought of getting zapped by a stray ignition spark a common automotive test light is your friend. Test the terminal on the side of the distributor. When the points are working when they are closed and grounding it that terminal should not have power. When the points are open it should show power. When you crank the engine it should flash on and off quickly. When you get to that point your can be fairly sure you have spark, check for spark out of the coil wire and the plug wires is the for certain way.

Sounds like a good idea did the same thing to check spark on my 88 f150

 

[PackerHogrefe]

Take a flat trailer, it’s almost impossible to get an M on a car trailer with the wheels dished out (most are dished out) trailer with fenders is right at 82 inches

Would it be worth the trouble to dish them in to try to fit on a car trailer or not?

 

[PackerHogrefe]

First thing I would do to it is fill all 4 cylinders with ATF and pull it home that way. That way the ATF can free up sticking rings and valves etc.

Would sea foam do the trick

 

[Rodney51Cub]

My 504 had sat for several years. What I did to get it home.

Pulled all spark plugs and squirted oil in each cylinder, then turned the motor over by hand.

Do you have a hand crank for the Super M ?

Cleaned and set spark plugs and points.

Cleaned inside of dist cap and rotor and made sure plug wires were snug on cap and plugs.

Pulled the drain plug on the carb and squirted carb cleaner through the drain and then through the fuel line.

If your tank is nasty find a small lawn mower tank just to get clean fuel to the carb. I use one off a old Snapper rear engine rider.

Clean your battery cables, both cables, both ends.

Check oil and anti freeze levels.

Air up tires.

Bring another battery with you or a jump box. Watch for oil pressure if it starts.

On hauling the Super M, measure outside to outside of rear wheels and then how much axle is between the wheel and frame. Depending upon tire width and trailer size you may just have to slide them all the way in or possibly just flip one center inward. My Super M has 12.4's your look wider. The picture of my Super M is with 11.2's, I have since put on 12.4's. Thought I had a newer picture.

 

[560Dennis]

I have a 4 70 year old tractors , so suggest considering this, there will be so many issues to correct. Suggest a Pareto chart , tackle the top two or three , just get it running and go from there. Don’t spend money anything that isn’t in the top 3 or four.
Safety first ,like brakes for example ,gasoline leaks.

 

[mike1972chev]

For sure, spray the cylinders with fogging oil before cranking (MY personal choice.) and roll it over by hand BEFORE hitting that starter rod/button. I would also make sure all fluids are right, ESPECIALLY the hydraulic reservoir before running it at all.

 

[PackerHogrefe]

My 504 had sat for several years. What I did to get it home.

Pulled all spark plugs and squirted oil in each cylinder, then turned the motor over by hand.

Do you have a hand crank for the Super M ?

Cleaned and set spark plugs and points.

Cleaned inside of dist cap and rotor and made sure plug wires were snug on cap and plugs.

Pulled the drain plug on the carb and squirted carb cleaner through the drain and then through the fuel line.

If your tank is nasty find a small lawn mower tank just to get clean fuel to the carb. I use one off a old Snapper rear engine rider.

Clean your battery cables, both cables, both ends.

Check oil and anti freeze levels.

Air up tires.

Bring another battery with you or a jump box. Watch for oil pressure if it starts.

On hauling the Super M, measure outside to outside of rear wheels and then how much axle is between the wheel and frame. Depending upon tire width and trailer size you may just have to slide them all the way in or possibly just flip one center inward. My Super M has 12.4's your look wider. The picture of my Super M is with 11.2's, I have since put on 12.4's. Thought I had a newer picture.

View attachment 152799View attachment 152800

I don’t believe I have a hand crank where could I find one

 

[Rodney51Cub]

I don’t believe I have a hand crank where could I find one

Might want to check the corners of the building the tractor is in. It could have been tossed in a corner or hanging on a wall. If the plugs are removed you could use a pipe wrench, your just lubing the cylinders not trying to start it.

 

[PackerHogrefe]

Might want to check the corners of the building the tractor is in. It could have been tossed in a corner or hanging on a wall. If the plugs are removed you could use a pipe wrench, your just lubing the cylinders not trying to start it.

Yeah even if it was in the shed it would be impossible to find there is so much junk in there pipe wrench sounds like a good idea

 

[PackerHogrefe]

Wondering what type of battery to get for it?

 

[Rodney51Cub]

Wondering what type of battery to get for it?

I understand you are four hours away from the tractor. The best thing to do would be take the battery out of it and take it to the nearest auto parts store and get a similar battery.

 

[Jim.ME]

Wondering what type of battery to get for it?

I understand you are four hours away from the tractor. The best thing to do would be take the battery out of it and take it to the nearest auto parts tore and get a similar battery.

Also note which battery cable goes to ground and which one to the solenoid/starter. It looks like a 12-volt battery and the resistor shown in one picture indicates 12 volts. If it has an alternator conversion ground polarity is important to void damaging the alternator.