1937 unstyled B

[Leon Torkelson]

I just put some money down on an unstyled B. It s about average condition and it does run. My problem is I need to know everything about starting, operating, shutting off and general maintence about this tractor. I grew up with Farmalls and am familar with them but these Green machines have me baffled. Some time ago I decided that if I were to get a John Deere it would be an unstyled B because I like the looks and it will look good next to my Farmall F12. Thanks.

 

[Kendog]

Rolling the flywheel on these old 2-bangers and getting it to come to life never gets tired for me.

Each one has its own personality for starting, but basically don"t over-choke & flood it. Email is open if you want my procedure, otherwise search the site and you"ll find a ton of info.

Congrats on adding green to your fleet!

 

[NoDakInMN]

First thing to realize is that you are not going to learn it all right away. I've had an unstyled 1938 A for 25 years and styled 1943 for 17 years, both are all fuel and flywheel start, and I am still learning about them.

Since it runs, the first thing to do is to check your fluids and then go out and play with it. Although the samll tank is for gas for starting and big tank is for distillate or kerosene, I just run gas in mine. Although once I did start the 38 on gas and then switched to diesel in big tank and it ran just fine on that.

But as I said, play with it. Take it out on the road and get ready to fall in love with that two cylinder sound. Learn how to start it moving in high gear from a standstill (ease in the clutch and have it throttled up). Put some load on in and listen to the sound of the engine change. Practice starting it by rolling the flywheel and if you screw it up, just pull start it to clear out the flood, drive it around and try again.

You can stop it by shutting off the gas and letting it run out or idle it down, put in high gear and engage the clutch with the brakes on. There are those who favor one over the other so play with yours and find out what works best for you.

Again, play with it and have fun learning.

 

[1936]

Kendog said all don't over choke - I half choke mine - usually starts on the first run over after setting months at a time. The B does roll better than the A for me.

Next time you have a hold of the fly wheel - pull back and forth to see how much end play you have. If a huge amount of end play stick to tractor shows not grain augers or plows.

 

[Kurt_JDB]

Leon,

Congrats on your new '37 B. I have a 1937 B also, and I am working on a 1938 B. A lot of information is available. You can buy the operators manual from John Deere, or a place like Davenport Tractor (formerly Deerely Departed) for about 1/2 the cost. You can also purchase a printed parts book or download a free parts book from Deere.

Finally, I recommend you pick up a copy of the field service bulletins on CD as put together by the late Duane Larson. Google "Duane Larson field service bulletins"

I start my '37 with full choke and throttle about 1/2 way. Give it a roll or two and she pops right off. Then I immediately set the choke all the way back, unless it is cold, where I will set it to 1/2 choke for a bit.

I shut mine down by turning off the gas at the bowl.


Kurt

 

[Art Massing]

Leon,
Welcome to the unofficial un-styled Deere club. I have an US “A” and a US “B” but I have Farmalls too! There are good things about both brands.
Kurt has already given you the best advice so I won’t repeat it (but I will second it).

Good luck with your new project!

Art