Starting a Tractor

[Frank Serbus]

I have an 8n that I have not started for 5 years. It has been sitting in a garage the entire time. Are there any precautions I should take prior to trying to start it within the next few weeks? What can I do with the gas, empty it or add something to it? I would appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[Dunk]

I would pull the plugs and pout in some auto tranny fluid, and let her soak awhile.

I would also drain the carb and tank, and put in fresh fuel.

Then after I got her running and warmed up I would change all of the fluids.

 

[Indiana Jones]

Dunk's advice sounds good. If you put some trans fluid down in the cylinders after removing the plugs, you might want to put an old towel or rags over the head where the plugs go in and crank it over a couple of time B4 putting plugs back in (get new ones - Autolite 437 gapped at .025). This will get the trans fluid out that is left.

Don't forget to check coolant.

 

[Anonymous-0]

In addition, I'd prime the oil pump and rotate the engine with the plugs out until I had movement on the oil pressure gauge before starting. 5 years is a long time for the cam and bearings to get dry.
Good Luck

 

[JohnK-NJ]

I got mine running earlier this year after it sat 20 in a nice dry garage. No problem at all but I did some prep in advance. Still running great!

The thread for the good advice I got is at
http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=nboard&th=607163

 

[Dunk]

IMO, a very good answer, sometimes I do have problems with giving details. Anytime I would be thinking about start a newly rebuilt, or sitting fer a while engine, I would make sure the starter worked good, and I would turn her over without the plugs till the oil pressure at least registered some on the gauge. No Doubt!!

 

[Bruce (VA)]

My suggestions are in the link JohnK-NJ posted below. Good luck!

 

[Kenster]

In this case, when you gentlemen say "turn it over" do you mean with the ignition switch/key, or hand crank, or rocking it via the rear wheel while in 4th gear??

I know it's not going to start with the plugs pulled, but I don't understand what you mean by 'turning it over."

 

[Sean (TX)]

Best way to crank it over is key off and crank it over with the starter button.