Bert L

Member
My 1952 8N hasn't been started for a couple of years, (shame on Me!) While verifying that the engine hadn't seized during it's
hibernation I recently rocked the crankshaft forwards and backwards slightly. Thankfully the engine is still free but I detected a slight
metallic clunk each time I reversed the direction of rotation accompanied by a "minuscule" amount of play. There is no detectable looseness or wobble at the
crankshaft pulley. The sound I hear seems to emanate from more towards the rear half of the engine.
So kind gents, please what are your thoughts on the most likely component sources/causes for what I'm hearing and witnessing.
No running issues or untoward sounds detected when I last ran the tractor. I am preparing to put her back to work soon, and don't
expect to have any major issues in that regard but certainly want to stay ahead of any potentially damaging occurrences which
might be construed as early warning signals.....
Thank you,
 
Bert........umm? no clunks? yet ya say "rocked the crankshaft forwards and backwards slightly". How do you do that without taking the oil pan OFF??? Me? First thing I'd due is replace yer sparkies. AutoLite 437's gapped 0.025. And BEFORE I re-install the sparkies, try rotating yer engine by yer crankshaft? More better, puttchur 8N in 3rd gear and push-pull on yer BIG rear wheels. That gott MORE leverage, than enny crankshaft will ever have. The goal here is to make certain yer engine is not "frozen". Dinna worry about yer clunk 'cuz more likely ittza yer rear axle, nottchur engine. Other than FRESH gas and charged BATTERY, yer probably good to go. Keep yer itchy-twitchy fingers off'n that handy-dandy spring loaded choke knobby. Just turn yer glass filter knobby 2-turns and with ignition switch ON, it shuld start in a couple of rumpa-rumpas.......Dell yer self-appointed sparkie-meister
 
Might you have had the transmission in gear when you were rocking the crank back and forth? That would make a slight clunk as the trans gears took up the slack and would be hard to pinpoint from the front end of the tractor
I assume you rocked the crank back and forth with a wrench on the big nut on the pulley?
The clunk could be a bit of backlash/wear in your timing gears or it could be a bit of wear in the clutch splines. Of course it could be a loose rod bearing, a loose upper rod bushing or even a loose ring in a ring groove too. But I wouldn't worry about those now as you would probably have heard those things the last time you used the tractor. How was the oil pressure the last time you ran it? If you remember it being good, I would put charger on the battery, check for fuel and give it a rip. She might just get out of bed and go to work.
If it doesn't, "do the usual" - dress the points, put fresh fuel in it, etc, etc.
Deal with any odd noises after you get it running.
When I first got my 2N it had sat outside unused for 3 years. I ecpected to have to do the usual but for kicks I turned the fuel and key on, pulled the choke and hit the starter. Battery was down a little but it still fired right up after about 10 revs.
 
Bert, when you say you "rocked the crankshaft forwards and backwards" you are really saying clockwise & counter-clockwise I hope???
 
"Bert, when you say you "rocked the crankshaft forwards and backwards" you are really saying clockwise & counter-clockwise I hope???"


Yes Patrick, definitely back and forth, please forgive the ambiguous information I provided and thanks to all who commented.
I now have a much clearer understanding of what may be happening within my old girl's innards. She ran well and oil pressure
or excessive oil consumption weren't issues either. Thanks again fellas I really appreciate your very helpful input, a great
day to all on board!
Bert
 

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