IH Cub starting problem

[Jim N.]

Hi Guys - First time here and hoping to get some help with an old International Harvester Cub. Best as I can tell its a 1947. I've had it for years and its always had a bit of an electrical problem; battery won't stay charged but if I recharge the battery she'll usually start up without much problem and run fairly well. I have a plow attached and really only use it for clearing snow in the winter. woke up to 18" of snow this morning, its still coming down heavily, and she won't start. I'd be grateful for any help or advice you could offer to get her going.

Some more info - hopefully this can help with a diagnosis. I charged the battery last night and it cranks well,so it is not the battery nor the starter. It occaisionally coughs and sputters, so I think the electrical system is okay. I suspect the carburetor, because I've noticed a small gas leak from the drip hole filler on the bottom of the carb. Could my problem be flooding? If so, how do I clear the carb, and how do I fix the problem? Could this problem be the float, and how do I adjust that?

 

[old]

First off I'll ask you a question or 2. Is it a mag or distributor type ignition system or do you even know??
If it is a battery type then it is easier to work on and fix.
First thing you need to do is check for spark. You need a good blue white spark that will jump a 1/4 inch gap. Nest you need to make sure you spark plugs are good, clean and not fouled out by gas or oil either one and can cause problems and if you have gas dripping then you may have gas fouled plugs and need to fix that problem.
As for the carb turn the gas off at the sediment bowl and in the bottom of the carb is a pipe plug which is the carb drain. Remove that plug and let the carb drain. If also would not hurt to #1 catch the gas and also open the gas valve and let gas flow out for say 5 minutes so you can then look at it the gas you catch that is and make sure it doesn't have a lot of rust/dirt/water in it.
Now if it would help to talk one on one send me an e-mail and I'll send you my phone number. I do this off and on all the time since some times it work out to be easier on people

 

[Jim N.]

Old,

Thanks for the tips. I looked at the sediment glass and it appeared clean, but when I took it off, I discovered that the gasket was disintegrating into minute particles which probably clogged the carb. I took the carb off and cleaned it, and am now in the process of letting it dry before re-assembling it. I will let you know as soon as I get it back on and try starting. Thanks again!

 

[Jim N.]

Old,

It didn't work. After I re-assembled the carb I let gas run through the lines, the gas is clear that comes from the pipe fitting on the carb. However all I get is a few coughs and spurts from the engine. However, the gas still leaks from the drip hole filler on the bottom side of the carburetor. Is that symptomatic of something wrong? How do I stop the leaking?

My tractor has a battery ignition unit, and I think the problem now may be the spark plugs, but I am not sure, and don't know how to check the plugs. It appears that the engine cover and gas tank must be removed to get to the plugs. Is that the case, or do I need a special tool? How do I check the spark?

Your tips have been helpful, but I don't know how to implement them.
I have had this tractor for over 25 years,and it has always been garaged. All I have ever had to do was to change oil, lube, and a run it occaisionally.

 

[Jim in Ma.]

If you think you are getting fire and fuel - I would check the oil sump in the air cleaner. just a little ice in there sometimes will cause that. Good luck! Jim

 

[EVILBOWEVIL]

7/8" wrench will remove the plugs without removing anything else
install new Champion D21 plugs or equivilant
gas driping is normal when trying to start and not starting

lots of good advice, tips, howto's on
Farmallcub/com

good luck
Ron

 

[blueknight]

Sir, I have a 1958 350 Utility that has the same starting issue as the gentleman with the cub. It runs great once i get it started. But it shut off twice this week while plowing snow. It cranks fine but wont start. Im getting fuel, I checked the plugs and they were clean, i have spark. However, it seems that it will start (hit or miss)if the throttle lever and choke are in a particular position. Once its started it purrs like a kitten. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thank you!

 

[old]

Well first off will the spark jump a 1/4 inch gap??? If it will not jump that far it is weak and will cause you problems like you have.
#2 when was the last time you checked/changed the oil in the air cleaner. One that is full of water and or dirt will cause you problems like that also.
#3 is it 6 or 12 volts and does the starter spin it over real good or does it spin over real slow?? If slow you may have a weak starter pulling to many amps and taking away from your spark

 

[d. coleman]

sounds like your carb float needle isnt shutting the fuel off or the float level isnt adjusted right causing the carb to have a rich mixture. bottom of float to split line of carb should be approx. 1-5/16" with carb inverted(float resting against needle) with approx. 3/16" drop of float in upright possition. good luck. d. coleman