Locked up H

[Markpa13]

I'm looking for some advise. I was doing some mowing with my 1950 H last night when the engine locked up. It was running great, then it just sputtered like it was running out of gas and stopped. I has just filled the tank with gas, so I knew that wasn't the problem. When I turned the key, it would not turn over. The starter would just click, almost like it had a weak battery. So I tried to hand crank it, but it would not budge. Before I start tearing the engine down to look for seized bearings or pistons, I thought it might be best to see if anyone on here has had any similar experiences?

 

[old]

I would first start by pulling the starter off and make sure it didn't lock up on the flywheel, common problem with the farmall tractors and it could be just that simple. As far as it just dieing it could be that you do have a weak battery and weak battery means weak spark unless if has a mag on it
Hobby farm

 

[Steven f/AZ]

Any oil in it? I would begin by following old"s advice - remove the starter and see if it will turn over - push the clutch in and see if it will turn over (maybe something in the trans/rearend seized?).

If none of that works, drain the oil from the engine - pay close attention to what comes out. If there are any metal particles or chunks you have big problems. Also check the oil filter for particles.

 

[A. Bohemian]

Check the coolant, both the level and the coloration.

You didn't SMELL overheating, did you?

If it didn't overheat, that would be an encouraging sign. I've never had a tractor engine seize up on me, but all the stories I've heard of it happening to a good running tractor involved overheating.

 

[Larry in WNY]

Our H locked up once and it was from broken timing gears. This is easy to check by removing the cover.

Larry

 

[old]

Why do you keep answering me instead of the guy who posted this. This is about the 3rd or 4th time in a week you have done this

 

[Janicholson]

I am 90 % sure it is the starter is jambed in the ring gear. The sputtering and stall are from junk in the fuel system stirred around when filling the tank. The sediment bowl, screen, fuel strainer at the carb inlet fitting, should be cleaned out. If it won"t flow like through a aweetheart straw, it is plugged.
To unstick the starter, Put it in 5th and rock the rear tires back and forth violently. If the fan moves at all, it is fixed (probably needs a starter drive, a new design with clutch from caseih) JimN

 

[Andy Motteberg]

I don't know why, he replies on mine a lot too, but whats wrong with it??

 

[Andy Motteberg]

Was the oil level correct? Do you use good oil (not cheap oil)? Make sure the engine oil and filter is changed every 250 hours of operation. You should remove the plugs and see if there is any antifreeze on them, if there is antifreeze in the cylinder, you are in big trouble, the piston sleeve might be busted and you may have bent a rod or broke your piston.

 

[old]

Whjat wrong is if the guy sents it up so an e-mail is sent to him when he gets an answer he doesn't get the e-mail so it might not even be read by the guy thta needs the info

 

[Andy Martin]

That's a good reason.

I usually reply to an answer if what I am going to say amplify's the answer and should be read with the other post.

 

[Tom Windsor]

It's because we love you!

 

[Markpa13]

Thanks for all the advice guys. After work yesterday, I ran home to start wrenching. Found the problem to be the starter. That was a huge relief. I was getting ready to tear down that engine, so I can't thank you guys enough for saving me the time, money and fustration that would have occurred in pulling it apart.

 

[Patrick Martin]

Oh dang......I do this too! :0

I just figured that it looks neat and keeps it in order.