Soap box time

[Dan]

I know sometimes I create a lot of contoversy, but sometimes I get responses like I did on my post below that makes me feel I am not in the right community. The main page of this great website says:

"...There are many fantastic resources here - browse through more than 90,000 antique tractor pictures or join thousands of other antique tractor enthusiasts in the discussion forums."

Note the word "enthusiasts" in this statement. That usuually describes a person who does something because they ENJOY it. While I use my 1954 NAA to do actual work on my 42 acres, I do not rely on it for a living. I do not work on these tractors because I get paid to. I work on them because I consider myself an enthusiast and I actually ENJOY doing it. Yet, it appears many cannot understand this concept, and in the past it has caused quite a controversy from otherwise logical minds as to the "WHY" that I do some things I do. I couldn't count the negative replys to my post where I snapped 12 head studs off in the block - but I got them all out and learned quite a bit doing it. Plus, I wasn't thinking about my bills, my obligations, what I had to do at work the next day - I just sat out there with my radio and happily (yes, happily) made a bad situation better.

Doesn't anyone here actually enjoy exploring these great machines, working on them for no other reason than to improve their condition, and to learn about how they were put together and operate? I guess the only people who frequent this board are just people trying to get their tractor back to running and are only concerned with their individual plight at present. I actually enjoy reading posts and discovering things I did not know before - and to try to pass what knowledge I have learned onto anybody out there who it "might" help keep these old machines running for the next generation. Heck, I fully knows it takes all kinds to make a community, but it appears the balance is tipped a bit here.

I guess I will restrain my questions here to simple "how do I..." type posts and try to find other sites who are frequented by enthusiasts who just like to talk tractors and enjoy keeping them up and running for as long as possible as a hobby.

Off my soapbox - sorry for the rant.

Dan

 

[DennyF]

Takes all kinds, Dan. I enjoy reading about the foibles and triumphs of everyone else that has skint a knuckle or two on an old tractor, but often keep my own experiences to myself. There are dozens here who know far more than I do and eventually they will rise to the occasion and illuminate us all.

Truth be told, the older I get, the less enthused I am about having to tear one apart and fix something, especially when right in the middle of a chore with said tractor. Other times, I will tear into my Jube for the sheer joy of just having it around.

It has occured to me several times that I could sell my Ford and my IH and be further ahead with one modern tractor, instead of two relics.

Then I come to my senses and get the tools out. ;O)

 

[souNdguy]

I'm a hobby farmer.. so i don't rely on my tractors to bring in the food.. and I work a day job 9 couple of them ).. so if my tractors broke down.. it's a PITA.. but I'm not loosing crops.

I maintain my old herd of rusty iron for sheer enjoyment.

Truth be told, I've got a new-ish 95 hp tractor to do my mowing.. but i MUCH prefer to take my old 5000 out to mow with.. if for no other reason than to see the old beast run.. even if it takes me an hour longer to do the same job.

My old 1-arm loader tractors are ineficient but I like em for the 'weird' factor.

I know some here are really needing their tractors to put food on the table.. or make a morgage payment.

I'm glad everyone posts here.. no matter why.. I get cantankerous now and then, and am sure I start a few 'thread killer' topics.. I think we all have our times.. both good and bad.

I musta missed the post you refer to.. or my unorganized brain can't remember it.. If I posted something negative.. just chalk it up to cantankerousness and let it roll off yer back. If someone else did.. do the same.

Another thing. many of the issues we see hare have -many- answer / fixes.. some easier than others.. some more expensive than others.. some better than others... all depends on tha application.. thus on a question you can get lots of advice or opinions.

what to do with bad points:

good answer: replace them

good answer if you are broke down on the side of the road: sand paper them and hope they last a while

good answer if you are flat broke: file them with a good ignition file and repalce when you got money, if you can

lotsa angles to most situations.. a little brass or solder would fix most problems that people instead buy replacement parts for. some people are more con=mfortanble with new parts.. or less confident with their repair skills.. etc.. etc. lotsa personal choice issues.. lotsa opinions.. bound to be a few head on conflicts.

oh yeah.. lotsa smart people here.. I still think this is the greatest storehouse of knowledge for these old tractors... even if ya got to dig for it and wear hip waders now and then.

hang in there.. I look forward to your posts.

Soundguy

 

[Indiana Jones]

All I can say is that I don't need the tractors I have. Yeah, I use the grader blade on the gravel drive, heavy lifting things from time to time with the boom, and now am ready to push snow. These old tractors for me are 2 things:

1. Therapeutic to work on after a long work day.

2. Tangible investments that will hopefully increase in value over time.

It pays to have tough skin when interacting in any forum, any topic.

Keep being yourself. I have learned quite a bit from your posts and pics, although I may not have always said so.

Sincerely,
Mark

 

[Leemo]

Sorry you took the comments that way. I work on these old beasts because I enjoy bringing back machines that have basically been discarded and making them useful working machines again. I don't normally do exploratory tear downs on things that are working well but if that's your cup-o-tea go for it and have fun. Why you do what you do with your tractors is your business and as long as you get enjoyment from it that's great.
Happy N'ing, Lee

 

[Anonymous-0]

I love these old tractors just like you do - and working on them is great therapy! I wish I could spend half of all my time working on them!

 

[Bruce (VA)]

I think you're in the right place. Granted, 75% of the posts are indeed 'how do I....' and that is fine w/ me, because even w/ my limited knowledge, I can answer 75% of those questions. but, the real fun of this forum is the questions I can't answer, because then I learn something. I've learned a lot from your posts & hopefully I will continue to do so. I suspect that the majority of us 'frequent flyers' on this board can afford a new JD or Kabuto & do not rely on the tractor for a living or even much work anyway. I need one tractor for cutting grass & plowing the 1/4 mile drive on the rare occasion that we get snow. I bought an N in 1999 when I moved out here because it was the only tractor I'd ever operated.....and I did not want to drop $10k on a new one. It didn't take long to find out how much fun it is to play w/ these things. I figure even I can keep at least 1 of 3 tractors running, so the others are just for fun. Which, most of the time, they are. I enjoy diagnosing the problem & then fixing it. Or, if it is beyond my ability (patience or mechanical) then I'll pay to have it done. Anyway, there all all different 'grades' of hobbyist here. All of us add something to the mix!
50 Tips

 

[Dave H]

I guess you are talking about the pic of the crank journal.

My opinion is that you should grab a root and growl.

If that old journal is not whopper jawed, personally I would just put it back together if it miked ok.

You can't expect everone to be warm and fuzzy all of the time. Sides that some people never get that way.

I will be asking another question shortly and may get the short answer, but it ain't no big deal to me.

Anyway, have fun out there.

 

[John (TR)]

Dan
I'm in the same boat as you, create most of my own work and fix things that to some don't need fixed. From your post you asked for peoples opinions as to whether or not to grind and you received them, that was fair. My point was basically grind if you see fit as you wont regret it later.

I put a motor together with a different oil pump and had had to do it again due to no oil pressure. Then I let the machinist talk me out of an oil pump bushing as it was "not that bad" and still have low oil pressure when hot after having a line bore and caps trued. If I pull it again it will be the 4th time I've had the block in and out of Hybred. I should have stood my ground, yea it will still run for a long time but it pi$$es me off every time I mow grass. I saved the cost of a bushing.

Since most of us don't rely on these tractors, if it adds a couple of weeks to the overhaul, it doesn't really matter.

I'll probably do the same thing to my 40. It runs good but both ends of the crank are leaking oil. I'm heading in when I overhaul it. I know some will disagree but its my tractor.

People generally either repair only for the sake of keeping it running and only fix whats broke, or prefer the security in replacing things that might fail. Both are fine, you and I are the latter but I have friends that aren't. Keep up the posts, I've learned a lot as well.

 

[ricko700]

I bought my 48 8n about a year and a half ago and ran it over my 40 acres till the radiator crapped out and it was drinking erl...I spent 1500 bux for it when I got it and have recently put another 1300 in it...I cant sell it for what I have in it cuz it still needs much more fixin to make it a restoration..which I dont care about...but..I really like working on it and fixing broken things.Its older than me and in way better shape and it was built by Americans for Americans and I am very enthused about keeping it in good shape and in order to do that I need to ask other more enthused folks what to do as Im not a mechanic by any stretch...I cant see how we can just sit around here and just brag about our machines..I like this forum and REALLY appreciate and NEED the help!! I need to go fix another erl leak at the governor that I just took off cleaned up ,painted and put back on with new gaskets only to see its dripping under no pressure...but...Im still enthused!! I'll really be enthused if it starts up after the rebuild it just got!!

 

[jhub]

Dan, I have greatly enjoyed this forum for a couple of months now. But I just became an N owner last week. I have learned soooo much about these wonderful old tractors through you and the others. This forum has been shear enjoyment for me and I have not even had time to work on my tractor yet. I hope all who post here will continue just for the diversity that it brings.

God bless
Jeff

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've been using my '46 2N these past 27 years. I'm not interested in it being a show peice. It's painted "red belly" colors, has several aftermarket "upgrades" on it, and I basically enjoy keeping it in tip-top running order to haul the large amount of firewood that I've been doing over the years as well as lots of other jobs from blading, discing, carrying/moving heavy objects, raking hay, pulling hayrides at "get to gethers", pulling stuck vehicles out of ditch in mud or snow and any other thing that might need its services. It is strictly a working tractor that I absolutely love and enjoy doing work with. Some of my most "peace of mind" moments are sitting on this stubby, squat little machine, pulling a hay rake for several hours at a time on occasion.

 

[Sean (TX)]

Ill have to admit. I dont go as far as you...But while im in there I like to fix what needs to be fixed so I dont have to go in there again. I like working on it as much as I like using it. Fixing the transmission now cuz some knuckle head removed the idle gear pin. Thats not how you check the fluid level LOL... I bought the FO-4 before I serviced it...Bearings are rusty and pitted....Might as well replace them. Ill bet they only lasted 66 years cuz they run at low speed. If they ran as past as a moderen car those bearings would fall a part.

 

[TennesseeMan]

Dan, I've been enjoying this site for 7 years now and I have learned so much from everyone. Alot of different opinions and yes there is some sarcastic people here now. When I first started posting questions you didn't see much of that. But then again going down the highway people will cut you off in traffic and not dim the old headlights like years ago. You hear and see so many selfish and thoughtless actions anymore. I guess people are just in their own worlds with the cellphones hanging off their heads anymore. I've even seen where people will jump on Dell at times. I'd be lost without ol' Sparky, he has answered alot of my questions over the years. But Dan I enjoy all your post and I hope to continue to read what you have to say.

 

[tool kat]

Dan, I am with you here. I think it's called intrensic (sp?) value. that is a thing has a value because of what it is, not dollars and cents. Let's face it, it is real easy to put way more money and time into an old tractor than it will ever be worth, but that is not the point. For some it is a stress reliever, a remberance of things past, what their daddy or grandad used,or the joy of learning a new skill. If that you, enjoy it. If others just want to fix to get it going, that is ok, too. There is room for us all here.
My two cents
Tool Kat

 

[TheOldHokie]

Take a chill pill before you blow a gasket - some things just aren't worth the bile. Wouldn't want you to blow a gasket - God only knows what slippery slope that might start you on...

For chill pills I recommend any import or micro-brew but a quality domestic will do in a pinch. Take two initially followed by one every hour until the symptoms subside... Remember do not operate (or repair) machinery when taking medication :lol:

TOH

 

[Sean (TX)]

(quoted from post at 18:22:00 10/19/07) Take a chill pill before you blow a gasket - some things just aren't worth the bile. Wouldn't want you to blow a gasket - God only knows what slippery slope that might start you on...

For chill pills I recommend any import or micro-brew but a quality domestic will do in a pinch. Take two initially followed by one every hour until the symptoms subside... Remember do not operate (or repair) machinery when taking medication :lol:

TOH

 

[Anonymous-0]

Yep - I got to shred pasture for about 3 hours yesterday evening. No phones ringing, no TV, no traffic, etc...just the sweet sound of that engine and the sun setting over the hill! It just don't get no better than that!

 

[BillM (OH)]

C'mon, Dan, there's all kinds of good folks on this board that come from many different backgrounds and use & work on their N's for many different reasons. I envy you for the great fixup job you did for old rustbucket, but could never spend that much time and $$$ myself, so I just try to keep my N's & 861 working, because, while your main hobby is bringing them back to original in perfect shape, mine is not - fishing, hunting and golf are all ahead of diddling with Henry & Bessie. When I get on them, I expect them to start and work - plowing/mowing/dragging/hauling the wagons/plowing snow, etc. When they don't, I'll fix'em, but will likely never have the time nor $$$ to create a rustbucket. The folks on this board have been a great asset to me in keeping everything running, and I thank them all.
PS: I agree with TOH's post below.........

 

[Sean (TX)]

How about that cold front? About time we had one. 50 when I went outside about 4:30...Im a early riser!!... Wrenching weather!!!

 

[Hobo,NC]

OK I am up to the challenge he he, Yes I like to slap ya around and aggravated the hill out of ya. I figger it makes you go the extra mile to prove me wrong. I know you learn something in the processes I have.

Quot} I couldn't count the negative replies to my post where I snapped 12 head studs off in the block - but I got them all out and learned quite a bit doing it.

Yes I reached rite out and pop-ed ya in the back of the head, maybe twice. I also tried to explain plan B best I could even told ya the best loose sometimes. I bout gave up and tossed in the towel when I saw you could not leave that dag burn EZ out B. If you were here I mite just pop ya for even having that thought.

quot) I actually enjoy reading posts and discovering things I did not know before - and to try to pass what knowledge I have learned onto anybody out there who it "might" help

I give ya a A plus you have pass along what you learned in a way others can understand good job.

Quot) Heck, I fully knows it takes all kinds to make a community, but it appears the balance is tipped a bit here.

That may b a good thing think about it.

I wish I had your problem, I don't fit in around a group of "enthusiasts" nor do I fit in around a group of "elites"


Quot)
type posts and try to find other sites who are frequented by enthusiasts who just like to talk tractors

Good luck on your quest may B you will find a place that has balance, more than likely will find a lot of unanswered questions. You will loose the challenge and drive, I know that's what keeps ya going.

quot)
and enjoy keeping them up and running for as long as possible as a hobby

Best rethink that I have got into some rite heavy threads over whats best, most are only interested in EZ simple repairs and not 2 interested in whats best for the longevity of the tractor. I don't think you will have a problem finding that place.

 

[Dunk]

I'm hanging with TOH!!

 

[Woodie]

Not sure what you are all talking about-but I will say that I believe that all of us in some form or another have a passion for these old tractors in one way or the other-I bought my 8n from my father in law two years ago to mow acreage I intend to build on in the future (just like you). I have been using this forum in one way or the other and take every comment from others and put it to use, even if the writing sounds sarcastic sometimes-I appreciate everyone that has the knowledge and experience-I'm more upset when I don't get any answers to my questions (good comments or bad as long as it resolves my problems) and sometimes wish I could answer my own and everyone elses.

I also wanted to tell you that I spent two hours last night looking at your website and rebuilds.

WoW!!!!

 

[Hobo,NC]

Drinking Buddies
>>>
>>>Two buddies, dunk and TOH, were getting very drunk at a bar in
>>>, Georgia, when suddenly Dunk throws up all over himself.
>>>
>>>"Oh, no... Now my wife will kill me!"
>>>
>>>TOH says, "Don't worry, pal. Just tuck a twenty in your breast pocket
>>>and tell The ol Lady that someone threw up on you and gave you twenty dollars
>>>for the dry cleaning bill."
>>>
>>>So they stay for another couple of hours and get even drunker.
>>>
>>>Eventually Dunk stumbles home and his Ol Lady starts to give him a
>>>bad time. "You reek of alcohol and you've puked all over yourself! My
>>>God, you're disgusting!"
>>>
>>>Speaking very carefully so as not to slur his words, dunk says to His Ol Lady,
>>>"Nowainaminit, I can e'splain everythin. Itsh snot wha yew think. I only
>>>had a cupla drrrinks. But thiss other guy got ssick on me...he had one
>>>too many! And he juss koudin hold hizz liquor. He said hes was verrry
>>>sorry an' gave me twenn ie bucks for the cleaning bill!"
>>>
>>>Dunks Ol lady looks in the breast pocket and says, "But this is forty bucks.."
>>>
>>>"Oh, yeah.. I almos' fergot, he shhhit in my pants, too."
>>
>>

 

[DON TX]

Guess it's a good thing Dell didn't chime in. (%^) I didn't see anything in those post that resembled a negative. Just a bunch of guys bein' themselves and givin' ya what ya asked for, an opinion. My .02. HTH
DON TX

 

[Dunk]

I bumped into Hobo the other day, I said how you doin Hobo?...

He said well I'm not doin so good..

I said what's the matter?

He said he had an accident, and said that since then he had a really stiff neck.

I said a car accident?

He said no, that he had went to his Dr. and gotten some of his favorite medication, Viagra, and when he went to swallow it, it got hung in his throat, and wouldn't go on down.


Dayum, I think I'm about to git sick agin....

 

[tim(in)]

Congradulations! You have graduated to the Roger Welsh level of tractor enthusiast! Yeh i know he has allis but half my equipment is too. !Now the trick is to graduate to the place where you can make a living with the tractor and still enjoy when you have to "tinker" or make repairs in the field. If you can enjoy crawling under a dusty corn picker or combine[ preferably pulltype but a self propelled will do in a pinch] while trying to get a crop in before a storm or better during a storm and still be glad you're there instead of at some other job, then you know you've arrived!=)The next degree is when a neighbor drives by in his always new or next to new pickup or machine and questions your sanity then you have arrived! welcome to the club.

 

[Dunk]

LMAO!!

Viagra = Niagra with a V.

Is banned on the new board and says something like nnalert, but it shows on the old board.

Now why would anyone sensor that word?

I didn't say a thing that waz dirty.

Alwayz a way around it though ifn you expect it.

 

[JMOR]

Now, that's GOOD! Made my day!

 

[GB in MT.]

[b:a84a8b42db]

Dunk; Time to put the cap on!!!!!! LMAO

Gary :lol: [/b:a84a8b42db]

 

[JMOR]

For everyone that responded....I agree with a lot that has been voiced & I too enjoy exploring and learning & the escape from the daily routine. The only problem I ever run into is the occasional poster who thinks he knows it all , but doesn't & then can't support his misinformed position. I hate to see misinformation propagated. I believe most are here to enjoy & learn & that is good. Keep on keepin on!

 

[Dunk]

You wouldn't like my Ole Lady's alcoholic brother at all then.

He tests my patientence quite regularly.

And then for me to call someone an alcoholic, well, I guess yall can figger.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Buy American! Or brew your own.

 

[TimW(PA)]

"grab a root and growl"
Haven't heard that since my dad died...It was one of his standby sayings....You aren't by chance from West Virginia are ya. he was.. ;o)

 

[duey]

Dan, I predicted and figured you would be good at stud removal by the time you were done with the batch... I figure I was right, you "done good".

Keep on keepin' on!!

duey

 

[Dan2N217688]

Dan, dont let it bother ya. I have been reading and learning on this site before I bought my N. I get on here every morning before I start my day. I look at it as a tech. school for N tractors. There are people from all walks of life on here, with all different attitudes, but most share the love of old machines. I've seen pics. of N's that I'd love for mine to look like, and some that I'm glad mine dont look like. I dont think there would be a better site out there on the subject than this one. I dont know, I have'nt bothered to look, cause this one has all the info. I was glad I was'nt you, when you broke all the head bolts, but you showed some real sand when you got them out. If you never learn anything else, you have to be the best go to guy for broken bolts out there. (I hope you had a Drill Doctor) stick around................................Dan

 

[cargocult]

"Yep - I got to shred pasture for about 3 hours yesterday evening. No phones ringing, no TV, no traffic, etc...just the sweet sound of that engine and the sun setting over the hill! It just don't get no better than that!"


Yep. The Gloaming, I calls it! (Everybody knows Internal Combustion Engines run better at/after sundown) Bet the evil SHRINKS would try 2 OUTLAW these things if they knew just how many $$ they lose, hehehe!! I often cut grass in the evening, because it is usually cooler the & the sun is no longer as bad, etcetc. Beats watching TV! CC

 

[Anonymous-0]

This is my third N (4th if you count my dads in 1950) and they are hobbies. I wouldn't dream of doing what you did because I am lazy, I know I will screw it up and I want my N to be ready to work when I get home from a trip. I really enjoy your posts and am jealous of your willingness to do what I can't or won't. I do simple maintenance, but my local mechanic is good and I don't feel guilty for letting him do what he is good at.
Keep on posting, Dan! Sometimes this dang e-mail doesn't pass on the correct inflection of "how" we are saying something, and we all make mistakes that way. Hang in there, I need a reason to sip that scotch!

 

[Indiana Jones]

Hobo, that one made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the chuckle!

 

[Anonymous-0]

I just "fell" into the middle of this discussion. Can you direct me to the URL for his website? Sounds interesting.