John Deere Model D questions

Rayman66

Member
My cousin has a Model D John Deere which he believes is a 1947. He inherited it from his father. Unfortunately he never paid a lot of attention to it when his Dad was alive and now would like to get it started. He lives a long ways from me so I can't just "go over" and help him but I did tell him about you folks. What I would like to do is get as much info. as I can and then send it to him as well as this site, at a later date. He is a farmer in Western Nebraska so this is a busy time for him right now.
I was visiting him awhile back and we did try to start it but no luck. It wouldn't even "pop". It did leak some gas out of the carburetor at apparently the top left; facing carb.from the left side of tractor. It was hard to see and I didn't have a lot of time to spend on it.
Hope someone will be able to give us some advice on this. I have also requested the serial number from him as I know that will be a big help in answering questions.
 
First you pull the plugs . That is your only window to the combustion chamber. No pop [ or try to start at all] is usually -no spark. No one has messed with it so timing may be okay. Fuel is making it to carb. Check for spark with screwdriver or tester. You will need ; compression, spark [ at somewhat near correct timing] , and fuel. If you have those three things any engine should run . Or sputter enough to start and set timing. You can use your thumb for a compression tester. If cranking can't blow your thumb ,held forcefully on the plug hole, off the hole you have a valve or ring problem hence -no compression.
 
Very good advice Dr. One thing I may add.....if they have been sitting inside for a time, the points get a "film" on them. When I have this problem I simply close the points on the surface of a dollar bill and pull it through a couple of times. Usually that will work.
 

First thank you; I did remember something he said while we were trying to start it. He said he" thought he remembered' seeing his Dad do something with the 2 round "nuts" at the top of the magneto; one on each side of magneto but did not know what. Also tractor has not been started since 2011.
 
I , like you , don't like anything too abrasive on those mag points . Dollar bill or clean white business card will clean the surface.
 
I have seen the impulse fail so that it doesn't get spark while cranking, but it will start while being pulled because it will be turning as fast as it does when running. If while cranking you don't hear the mag snap, this could be the problem.
 

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