1963 Cub lowboy pistons, valves etc project update/conclusion

[Paul 300 U]

For those following along this project began 9/24. There are 3 or 4 separate posts concerning different issues issues encountered along ithe way. "63 cub" is usually in the "Subject" of each post.

I'm happy to report that the cub is back together. The project included new valves, guides, springs etc. New "step up" pistons for a little more horsepower with rings, rod bearings etc. Also did few extras like new bowl assembly and steel gas line, oil, filter, coolant, and spark plugs.
As the posts show I hit several snags along the way, many of which might have been avoided if I had previous experience. Fortunately, I had a lot of help from the YT community. Thank you to everybody that pitched in with a suggestion or opinion!! I know I would not have been able to successfully complete the job without your feedback!!
I've only got about an hour run time and the tractor is running smoothly. It starts fairly well when cold and immediately once warmed up. Engine idles smooth with much less smoke. I put the chains and plow on to push light snow and power seems fine. I would like to have more power starting off uphill in 3rd gear but the real test will be running the mower in the summer. I understand a 60 inch mower will always be a struggle but hopefully I'll have a bit more success in medium grass, 1st gear. The 300 u will take care of the bigger stuff.
Apparently I should consider a re torque on the head bolts? Any tips there and anything else I should consider would be great. Thanks! Paul

 

[rustred]

For those following along this project began 9/24. There are 3 or 4 separate posts concerning different issues issues encountered along ithe way. "63 cub" is usually in the "Subject" of each post.

I'm happy to report that the cub is back together. The project included new valves, guides, springs etc. New "step up" pistons for a little more horsepower with rings, rod bearings etc. Also did few extras like new bowl assembly and steel gas line, oil, filter, coolant, and spark plugs.
As the posts show I hit several snags along the way, many of which might have been avoided if I had previous experience. Fortunately, I had a lot of help from the YT community. Thank you to everybody that pitched in with a suggestion or opinion!! I know I would not have been able to successfully complete the job without your feedback!!
I've only got about an hour run time and the tractor is running smoothly. It starts fairly well when cold and immediately once warmed up. Engine idles smooth with much less smoke. I put the chains and plow on to push light snow and power seems fine. I would like to have more power starting off uphill in 3rd gear but the real test will be running the mower in the summer. I understand a 60 inch mower will always be a struggle but hopefully I'll have a bit more success in medium grass, 1st gear. The 300 u will take care of the bigger stuff.
Apparently I should consider a re torque on the head bolts? Any tips there and anything else I should consider would be great. Thanks! Paul

yes get her warmed up and do your head retorque. then work it at operating temp to seat the rings , since its a small tractor you probably dont have much seat time to work for long periods at a time. even an hr. of so of good pulling is good. just avoid idling slow for long periods and keep the idle at least 1/3 of throttle for the first while. and no overheating it either as that will score the pistons with them new tight clearances. you can even look at your spark plugs to see how the engine is performing. and make sure carb is set correctly, with correct timing, to prevent flooding or too much gas in cylinders to wash oil off the cylinders. other than that enjoy.

 

[Janicholson]

For those following along this project began 9/24. There are 3 or 4 separate posts concerning different issues issues encountered along ithe way. "63 cub" is usually in the "Subject" of each post.

I'm happy to report that the cub is back together. The project included new valves, guides, springs etc. New "step up" pistons for a little more horsepower with rings, rod bearings etc. Also did few extras like new bowl assembly and steel gas line, oil, filter, coolant, and spark plugs.
As the posts show I hit several snags along the way, many of which might have been avoided if I had previous experience. Fortunately, I had a lot of help from the YT community. Thank you to everybody that pitched in with a suggestion or opinion!! I know I would not have been able to successfully complete the job without your feedback!!
I've only got about an hour run time and the tractor is running smoothly. It starts fairly well when cold and immediately once warmed up. Engine idles smooth with much less smoke. I put the chains and plow on to push light snow and power seems fine. I would like to have more power starting off uphill in 3rd gear but the real test will be running the mower in the summer. I understand a 60 inch mower will always be a struggle but hopefully I'll have a bit more success in medium grass, 1st gear. The 300 u will take care of the bigger stuff.
Apparently I should consider a re torque on the head bolts? Any tips there and anything else I should consider would be great. Thanks! Paul

When retorquing, turn each bolt (in the pattern) in the loosening direction till it breaks loose a tiny amount, then retorque to spec. This prevents the bolt/or nut from false torque readings. (one at a time!!) Jim

 

[Paul 300 U]

yes get her warmed up and do your head retorque. then work it at operating temp to seat the rings , since its a small tractor you probably dont have much seat time to work for long periods at a time. even an hr. of so of good pulling is good. just avoid idling slow for long periods and keep the idle at least 1/3 of throttle for the first while. and no overheating it either as that will score the pistons with them new tight clearances. you can even look at your spark plugs to see how the engine is performing. and make sure carb is set correctly, with correct timing, to prevent flooding or too much gas in cylinders to wash oil off the cylinders. other than that enjoy.

Rustred. Thanks for the continued help and information. I will do so. We've got plenty of cold but very little snow so it will be a while until I can get a bit of work in. Paul

 

[Paul 300 U]

When retorquing, turn each bolt (in the pattern) in the loosening direction till it breaks loose a tiny amount, then retorque to spec. This prevents the bolt/or nut from false torque readings. (one at a time!!) Jim

Jim, as always thanks for the help along the way. I will retorque as you stated. Thanks Paul

 

[Janicholson]

Jim, as always thanks for the help along the way. I will retorque as you stated. Thanks Paul

You are very welcome. Your faith in my words is important to me. Jim

 

[Paul 300 U]

Sure thing Jim! Paul