Source for F-12 engine

Senator

Member
A couple weeks ago I got a call from a neighbor asking if I was interested in his F-12. He knew I restored old Farmalls (mostly letter series) and said he wanted a good home for the tractor, as his dad had bought it new in 1936 and no one left in the family had any interest in it. It had been sitting in his shed for 20+ years, they drove it in there but had not run since they parked it. Went and checked it out, it looked in remarkably good shape and pretty complete. I asked what he wanted for it and he said if you want it its yours, just call me when you get it running, I'd like to see it run again (he's 83). So it's now sitting in my shop.

This is my first attempt at a pre-letter series tractor. My hope was to get it running, evaluate the engine (as long as it runs fairly decent, good enough) and then work on the cosmetics. It suffers from the typical issues from sitting for so long. Fuel system was plugged up, radiator has mouse nests (and leaks), magneto needs some work. All fairly minor. But my hope of getting it running fairly soon was dashed yesterday, did a compression test and results were not good. So it looks like the engine is coming apart.

Ok, thats the story (kinda long, huh?) leading into my question. I'm a bit apprehensive about the condition of the block. It's had some freeze damage in the past, weld repair at the water inlet, and weld repair in the middle of the block right at the head gasket surface. Also after cleaning the gunk off I can see another unrepaired crack. So I'm thinking if I'm gonna tear it down and rebuild it, it might make sense to start with an undamaged block. Question is where can I find one?
 
Its very common for those blocks to be broken and repaired just above the fuel pump from being frozen. Most times the rest of the block is just fine. piston and sleeve sets are available new for that along with most engine parts, don't worry a bit about that engine. theyre simple to work on.

get ahold of Alderson Tractor for parts, they stock most of what you're gonna need
 
Wow, you got one that turns? For free? Some guys have all the luck! If the unrepaired crack is between the center two cylinders, don't worry about it. Just put a tiny drop of RTV on it before you put the head on. Do not hot-tank the block unless you remove the governor bushing behind the oil filter, it will dissolve.
 
You guys are making me feel better about the block. Unrepaired crack is above the fuel pump kinda in the middle of that side of the block.
Gotta look real hard to see it, it actually dosen't show signs that it leaked. Am gonna try and put a little air pressure in the water jacket
and see if it leaks. Do you have a phone number for Alderson Tractor? Thanks for the info.
 
Here is the phone number to Alderson tractor
1 641-624-2275, also Rice Equipment has alot of parts http://www.riceequipmentinc.com/store/index.php
 
(quoted from post at 20:58:00 03/12/17) Minnesota? I'm a way's away. Washington state.


Ive got a good friend in Twin Falls who has a salvage yard. Hes got some 12's and 14's there if needed
 
If you cannot find a compatible engine, find a good Cast Iron welder and have block welded. Then pull cylinders and seal from inside.
 
That's a real low compression engine to start with. Can't remember what it should be though. Might be valves.
 
Senator,Ive done a dozen of those F12,work with what you have,Its much cheaper,Most all motors have cracks,and some have cracks between the cylinders but these are easy repairs.Rebuild if your cylinder liners are in bad shape,but if not replace rings and liner o rings,do a head job and your good to go.These motors are low compression and very forgiving.Fuel pumps,mags,carbs and timing are critical

jimmy
 
Thanks for all the comments and advice guys. I think James Williams comments are sound and that's the way I'm gonna head unless more issues are discovered.
 
check with Doug DeAvis in Mosa Lake, WA and Dale Cantaberry in Twin Falls, ID. Not sure on spelling of Dale's last name. Dale has 20 acres of salvage tractors.

Email me and I will see if I can find both of these guys ph#
email is open.
 
(quoted from post at 22:58:12 03/13/17) check with Doug DeAvis in Mosa Lake, WA and Dale Cantaberry in Twin Falls, ID. Not sure on spelling of Dale's last name. Dale has 20 acres of salvage tractors.

Email me and I will see if I can find both of these guys ph#
email is open.


Canterbury

if you need his number let me know. He is the one I was referring to in my previous comment about someone in Idaho with the parts you need
 
Hey Old-F20, I have Dale's ph # some place, Him and Doug are really good friends. I have never met Dale in person, but talked to him quite a bit on the phone. Doug De Avis and I are good friends.
 

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