1941JD A troubles

[ClaytonFarms]

I recently acquired a 1941 JD A I believe it was converted to electric
start as its not a slant dash. Ill talk more about that on later threads.
However the issue at hand is the engine is stuck. Ive done reading
and poured over the forums before making my acct.

Ive current got the engine soaking in PB blaster and deep creep.it
does not appear to be stuck bad but I fear Im going to have to pull
the head and block regardless... Ill turn to a mixture of ATF and
acetone afterwards. And then resort to pulling it entirely apart.

I have a series of questions.

I noticed that two valves are open. I believe its the exhaust valves.
Do I need to pull the head or will it fix itself when I get it unstuck?

Ive already told myself I may need to pull the head. Do I have to pull
off the rockers to pull the head or can I just unbolt the head and
everything that way?

Anyone know of any good machine shops in Iowa? That dont break
the bank. I may just pull the entire block and ship it off to get rebuilt if
I get too.

Included a few photos of my barnfind. It was last running three years
ago.

 

[greenmech]

The rocker has to come off to pull the head, so you may want to do that and see if the valves close. You could jack up the front to get more fluid around the pistons. You could use a bar on the flywheel and see if it will loosen up. Ron MN

 

[matthies]

Being in Iowa now, was it stuck when you got it or just now. Take valve cover off and see if the valves move, can have a stuck valve and bust things. Also remove engine drain plug to see if water/ice is present, could have oil pump froze from water/ice. Wouldn't hurt to take the crankcase cover off to check the oil pump drive coupling is intact. Just don't get in a hurry, if the things I told you to check are moving, you can jack one rear wheel up, and with the clutch engaged and in gear, you can rock the engine (by rocking the wheel) to help loosen the engine.

 

[ClaytonFarms]

In response to the two replies Ive gotten so far:
It was stuck when I got it, i believe but Ive got no clue if its been stuck long or just happened over the years it sat or if its all this cold, it is sitting in my somewhat warm garage however (space heater).

Thank you for telling me the rocker has to come off to pull the head.

Ive sprayed Pb blaster and deep creep into every orifice on the tractor.. spark plugs holes, down the crank case breather, everywhere.

 

[55 50 Ron]

I recently freed up a "B" engine by using a hydraulic jack against a tooth on the flywheel. Your flywheel will have teeth since it's an electric start. Just remove the sheet metal flywheel cover to get access for your jack. Make sure the tappet assembly is removed first or things can break. (Don't ask how I know that!) Set the jack either forward or back of the crankshaft so you get a good push on a tooth. Try both directions. Photo attached to give some idea how to place the jack.

 

[ClaytonFarms]

What in the bejesus is a tappet? This is my first two cylinder. My only experience is that of a novice. (I ran a G about 13 years ago when I was 16 and did that for a few summers, nothing too mechanical.

Pictures help! Thanks in advance. Ill have to look into that. Ive saw pipes and Cheater bars mocked up to fit inside the flywheel holes. But this seems cheaper and maybe more effective.

 

[55 50 Ron]

the tappet is one arm on the tappet assembly outside the head. The entire assembly can be removed by taking off the two nuts and slide the assembly forward from the head until it comes off in your hands. It might be easier if you remove the carburetor first.

 

[Rich'sToys]

Tappets and rocker or rocker arms are the same thing.

 

[ClaytonFarms]

Thanks. Keep the suggestions flowing guys. When I reinstall what do
they need to be toruqued at?

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

The terms are often interchanged but you're referring to rocker arms. Tappets or lifters are at the other end of the push rods and ride against the camshaft.

 

[Rich'sToys]

I stand corrected. Thanks for clearing that up, Mike!

 

[MBdeere]

Dont do this something is going to break. There are all degrees of stuck. Start by removing the valve cover and work your way deeper and deeper. Remember these old girls may need a little extra foreplay just like the old lady to get things going.

 

[ClaytonFarms]

Ron 55 that method WORKED WELL. We used a floor jack instead of a bottle and it barely raised the tractor off the ground and it moved the flywheel/pistons/ valves (which I had freed prior to pulling the head this was a last ditch effort before I decided to just tear it completely down. Made a full revolution of the flywheel let is sit for an hour in more fluids and came back out and the starter took off.

I made a new post feel free to go look at it as Im still seeking input from the gantry