52 A engine rebuild

[Anonymous-0]

Do any of you folks know of a good, reliable machine shop in central NC? I need someone who knows about these old 2 cylinders and can do some machine work. Also, I ordered a complete set of manuals from mother Deere for this tractor, 5 in all, none of them say anything about engine rebuilds. Is the I&T shop manual any good? Any of you folks live near Asheboro, NC? I might need some hand holding....

 

[Bob Collins]

If you buy the manual number SM-2004 it is for the B but can be used as a reference for the A. You can save money by getting it from an aftermarket supplier such as Davenport tractor. It is an invaluable book.

 

[Len, New Haven, VT]

Tommy:

I suggest you call Mark Rice. Mark lives in Moncure, but works at NCState. He is a lifelong JD guy, has rebuilt some of them and is an engineer (ag) by training. He is GOOD. He has a 40 crawler now at Moncure and they have several 2 cyl tractors on the family farm in Missouri. His work number is (919)-515-6794. Tell him Len sent you.

 

[Len, New Haven, VT]

[email protected]

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thank you Bob and Len. Bob, I have ordered the manual you recommended. Len, I have added Mark Rice to my contact list. I have done some automotive engines in the past. Today, I took the head off. The cylinders are rusted and stuck good. I spent a couple of hours just staring at it. It looks relatively simple but, for some reason, I am intimidated by it. Wish me luck.

 

[F-I-T]

A late styled "A" would be my first choice as a first time project. Parts are large and plentiful. Did my first rebuild on my own, a '48 A, the summer between 7th and 8th grade. We used it in the field that fall.

 

[Kurt_JDB]

Tommy,

You might want to wander over to the Denton farm park and engage some of the fellas who maintain all the equipment in some conversation. I think they do all their own basic machine work in their own shop, but they will know who and where to go to. I think Denton is about 20 miles from Asheboro

I am in Raleigh, and I could direct you to some machinists in this area if you can't find any closer to you.

Here is a link to the farmpark:

Kurt
Farmpark at Denton NC

 

[Anonymous-0]

Kurt,
Actually, I live about 5 miles from the farm park. I'm about 12 miles out of Asheboro, between Denton and Farmer. I didn't make the show this year, we were out of town (had to keep the wife happy). I have been several times over the last several years. It's really something to see. I thought I might snag one of those guys on this forum.

 

[Kurt_JDB]

Tommy,

Another great source of information would be the service bulletins. Duane Larson collected all of them and put them on a CD as a PDF. A lot of very good information that appears nowhere else. Duane has passed away, but you can still get a copy from his wife Nancy.

Kurt
Link to Duane Larsons web page