Starting a '41 A

[hillaagsa]

Hi everyone. I've finally got time to try to start my '41 A finally. I just got finished rebuilding the engine, clutch, carb and other aspects. I've already fooled with M's and 40's with starters. So I need some help trying to start this hand start A. I have a few questions. First can anyone tell me rough adjustments for this rebuilt carb. I know it will have to be adjusted and tweaked along the way but if you have anything guidelines to start with. We are thinking about trying to pull start it behind another tractor since it would be a job trying to attempt to spin it by hand right now. Any suggestions? And one more question can anyone explain the correct use of the compression reliefs? Thanks for any help.

 

[Mark Poss]

1 and1/2 turns out on both idle and load screws should be a good place to start with carb, and just open the reliefs upward so you can hear the compression. Pull starting or if you have a tractor to belt it up with is what I would recommend for first time starting. Good Luck.

 

[Husker44A]

Hill, every handstart JD I've ever been around starts different then the last one. When I start my 44 A handstart I open both reliefs on the block, pull throttle open about quarter to half way, turn fuel on, close choke accordingly, roll flywheel over, your not trying to break the crank when trying to start these tractors. If everything is set close enough they start on the second or third roll of the flywheel. Mine will start at almost any temp on the second or third roll of the flywheel if I do everything the same as last time. It'll be running on the seco d roll. Some will take a little throttle and some choke, some throttle and no choke. Some all choke and half dozen rolls to get them to start. IF you've done your part and get timing set right and carb set "close" it'll start. May not run the best till carb is set right. But it'll run. When you do get it started let it run and check for oil pressure too. Watch and listen to the engine for unwanted noises. Let it warm up about half throttle. Hook it to a plow and have fun. I am a firm believer with a new engine rebuild if you baby it it'll run like a baby. If you work it, let it pull, work it at full operating temp it'll run and pull like a mule !!! they tend to start better to once rings are seated. Which takes time. Enjoy your tractor. Run a few heat cycles then re torque the head. At least check the bolt torque. ALWAYS shut the gas off till she starves for gas and finally dies for the night !!! That will save your new piston rings too.

 

[old popper]

I'll second the idea of belting it to another tractor. That way you can tinker with your carb adjustment a little if it doesn't start right off. I nearly always belt the ones that don't want to start. By the way, I made up a short belt that allows the tractors to be almost nose to nose. It is a lot handier.

 

[hillaagsa]

Thanks for all the tips. Now I have a better idea of how to get started. I"m going to try to start it again on Saturday when I have plenty of daylight too dark when I get home after work now. Thanks everyone I"ll let u know how it goes