Quick Video: '41 Unstyled A

[Ken Christopherson]

Hey all,

Looks like spring is finally here to stick around in MN. I was able to get the tractors out for a little sun today, and figured I would make another video. Looks like I am starting to get the hang of starting the '41 A. Seems like every one of these animals are different. I've spent countless hours on YouTube watching videos, and learning people's methods. Seems like the one I currently have in the video works the best for me.

I hope all is well with everyone across the land, and that the Memorial holiday treats everyone right. (And a BIG thank you to those serving; Past, present, and future).
41 A Start Up Procedure

 

[41B-boy]

Kenny,

What is the longest you've let it run since you got it going? I'm curious what temp you've got the radiator up to.... Took a solid 45 minutes to get my '41B up to 180 ( only a so-so quality gauge, so I verified with a thermometer in the neck of the radiator ) +/-.
This next week I'll have my carb back from Mr. Shelby at PoppinJohn and she'll get hooked up to a pretty stout drag chain harrow for the dairy fields. Hope to get it good and hot.

Bob

 

[Anonymous-0]

Believe your 41 A is pre 39 as the styled series started in 39. Nice running unit.

 

[James Howell]

Sounds like you've got your tractor running good.

Enjoyed the video; thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Greenday]

I didn't think they made unstyled A's in 41?

 

[RLA]

It was a styled A, he turned it into a 6 speed
unstyled A. Something he"s always wanted to
build. So it"s a hand built model A.

 

[Ken Christopherson]

I would have to say I have had it running for at least a half hour at a time, maybe an hour tops. Haven't gotten it real hot yet - I've gotta find someone to sit on the Case SC so I can pull it around to get it to "work", that way I can get the head good and hot to retorque it. I've also got a friend bringing over a digital tachometer (rpm reader) so that I can set the idle speed, as well as the high idle. Let us all know how it does in the field. I plan on getting my tractors out again over the weekend here - supposed to be beautiful and I am throwing the girlfriend a surprise birthday tomorrow. Probably will be going on her first JD ride.

 

[Ken Christopherson]

This tractor started life as a '41 John Deere A Slant Dash. I have always wanted an unstyled A, but have stayed away from them because of the 2 speed transmissions. I needed something that would do well on road rides, and the Behlen overdrive units are hard to come by in my area. I found this tractor for a great price, and after some research discovered that most everything will change over from early styled A's to unstyled, with some slight modification. So essentially, I have an electric start (with lights), 6 speed Unstyled A that I built from a 1941 A platform.

In case anyone is curious, I clocked it yesterday on a law enforcement speed box at 15 mph in 6th with 12.4-38 rears. Now I've just gotta see what the Case SC tops out at with oversize tires (13.6-38).

 

[toot]

If Im not mistaken the SC Case is a 4 speed. I had one with 13.6 tires, seems like in high gear I was going about 11-12 mph.

 

[gtx1967jewison]

Engage your CLUTCH!!

 

[Ken Christopherson]

You are correct. 4 speed transmission. I'll have to see what the Law enforcement speed box says right down the road from my house. Those things are usually pretty darn accurate.

 

[Ken Christopherson]

Are you referring to the JD, or the Case? The JD's clutch was engaged - I always leave it engaged when I start it.. And when it sits idle. The Case was not running, and does not need to have the clutch engaged while running - but it was engaged while sitting with the motor off. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Mark-Ia]

Ken, you could cover the radiator with cardboard to get it hot.

 

[Ken Christopherson]

Ha, you would think that spending my entire life in MN, especially after this last winter, I would have thought of that by now.

Guess I have a new project for Sunday.

 

[IAMIKE]

Ken your gonna get your hand bit between that flywheel and starter one of these days. I have seen it happen to a friend of mine! Nearly ripped his hand right off. Put a battery in and utilize the starter. There is a reason JD covered the flywheel up. That being said, I really like the tractor! Good job.

 

[Ken Christopherson]

Mike,

I intend on getting the electric start together as soon as funds allow. I have to get both the starter and generator checked out. Then, I've got to figure out how I want to do it. I have got a couple of ways in my head, but am fighting between the two. (Mounting battery between the frame rails, mounting in front of the rear axle, or making a mount to go above the start similar to where it was). I have a friend of mine who is custom making my gauge cluster mount. Piece by piece it will come together.