A to Super A engine swap

[65-F100]

New to the tractor world but not new to mechanics. I inherited a 53 SA but the engine is seized due to sitting uncovered with no rain flap on the exhaust. I've located a 38/39 Model A with a rebuilt engine that I can pick up for a reasonable price. From what I've read and looking at pictures, the engine seems to be the same 113 CI engine. Other than swapping over my distributor setup vs the magneto setup on the A, is there anything else that I need to be aware of? I really just need a good long bloc. Thanks for any advice you can give

 

[ih560]

The A engine does not have provisions for the hydraulic pump that the Super A would use/need. If you don't care about losing Hydraulics (which is the biggest advantage of the Super A) then yes the engine will fit and work.

 

[65-F100]

10-4. No I do not want to lose the hydraulics. So i need to find an engine that is already equipped with hydraulics to be able to swap?

 

[Janicholson]

I think, but am not certain, that late A engines had the mount surface and holes for the pump. If
the "new" engine has a cover plate there, you are good to go. The other option is to build the
engine that was in it. (probably could easily be made into a 123cid with thinner sleeves Kit) Jim

 

[65-F100]

Ok. Many thanks Jim. I ll check on that. Didn t realize the pump housing was part of the block. Assumed it was bolted on the front of the engine. You may have just helped me avoid a big mistake. I may still end up rebuilding mine. Was just looking for a quick easy swap to get it running. Thanks again.

 

[ih560]

It's possible that a very late A could have the hole there for the hydraulic pump but I've never seen it. I have a 45 A and a 46 BN and neither have the hole there, I guess maybe a very late 1946/47 engine could have it because the Super A started in 1947.
If the engine he is looking at is an original 39, I would think there is no way there it has the provisions for the pump.

 

[earl h]

why not put a farmall c or super c engine in it.they are the same.

 

[65-F100]

thanks for all the help. I ve located another SA with a good long block so I think I should be good. Thanks for the info on the C\Super C. I ll search for those as well.

I will probably swap and then rebuild the original to the 123 as suggested. That way I can take my time and do it right.

 

[ih560]

If you are going to rebuild the original engine, I wouldn't waste any money on buying another "long block" to put in it.
These are wet sleeved engines and unless there is a crack in the block or something, I don't see a reason to waste your money on another engine. They are fairly inexpensive to rebuild and the most expensive part of rebuilding one is probably the cylinder head, depending on how much work it needs.

I would see if the original engine would free up without much trouble before I spent money on another engine if you are going to rebuild the original anyway.

 

[MikeJM]

IH560 is right. Why not just overhaul the engine you have? Overhaul kits for the Super A are less than $500.
Probably need another $500 in the head to make it right and you ll be good to go for a very long time. Who knows how many valve jobs it s had over the years. I have two in the shop now that need seat inserts on intake and exhaust to make them right again.

Money ahead in the long run unless something is terribly wrong with your current engine.