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Allis Chalmers Discussion Forum

Converting B to electric start

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sporty1975

03-10-2008 07:00:21

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I have a 39 B I am going to restore. Has anyone ever converted one of these to electric start? I know I would need a torque tube with hole for starter, and mount a starter switch, battery, etc. Is this a large task, or even worth it? I was going to do a total overhaul including engine, so a starter would definitely come in handy. I would appreciate any help from you experts.

Thanks

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DARDAN

03-10-2008 23:02:03

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to sporty1975, 03-10-2008 07:00:21

IF the B's engine is in sound condition and maintained in a good state of tune, it should be easy to hand start. I always rev mine wide open for 30 seconds+ to clean the plugs, then throttle down to idle and turn off. It will usually start with 1-3 1/4 turn pulls on the crank. I've had it start like that in freezing weather and after setting 6 months untouched.
I've also made it mad at me, and wore out BOTH arms before it started. You should only use your left arm to crank--but I have used my right arm by facing forward.
I have a 4 stitch scar between my eyebrows from 30 years ago when my gung-ho, stupid temper of youth inspired me to two hand spin a stuborn WC. The crank sliped off and swung up and smacked me between the eyes. I'm lucky, it could have fired and broke BOTH arms.
NEVER give in to the temptation to two hand crank any engine!!!

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chalmersbob

03-10-2008 19:19:42

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to sporty1975, 03-10-2008 07:00:21

you crank with your left hand only. Bob

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LWD

03-10-2008 14:14:35

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to sporty1975, 03-10-2008 07:00:21

I learned, when I was a kid how to rope start our `c` by using the belt pulley. have done this several times over the years on wd`s and wd 45s,this way when it kicks it only pulls the rope out of your hand.

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Dick L

03-10-2008 08:42:03

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to sporty1975, 03-10-2008 07:00:21

I have done a couple. I switched the block as well as the torque tube so I didn't have to jerry rig the generator mounting. You will need a battery box and a different gas tank supports. The different torque tube will have the throttle mounting hole higher but you will need the switch box and switches/amp gage. Your front gas tank support will not have a hole for the wiring harness. It can be drilled but if you buy a reproduction toolbox/gas tank support you will need the newer front bracket with strap, that gas tank support already has the wiring hole.
The one at the link was changed to electric start but I didn't do a how to set of pictures for just a starter project. However you can click to see what pictures I took of the project.

1938 B

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Dick L

03-10-2008 08:41:59

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to sporty1975, 03-10-2008 07:00:21

1938 B

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Texas Denny

03-10-2008 08:32:32

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to sporty1975, 03-10-2008 07:00:21

I've not done this on a B. I have replaced the torque tube on a C. I had a friend help me and I think it took about 4 hours. Block the engine to the front axle so it doesn't tip to side. Put a well supported jack under the engine and a floor jack under the torque tube - the floor jack will need to be on a platform of the appropriate height. After disconnecting everything, roll the rear end and torque tube back sufficiently to replace the tube.

Though tractors that are well maintained and in good condition can be started with a hand crank, there are risks in doing so. If the ignition is not timed correctly, there is a risk of backfire. If an engine backfires and the hands are not correct around the crank handle, a broken arm is a strong possibility. I've not had the break but came close several times. Also, many people will not be strong enough to start the tractor. That may be good or bad.

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carbonfibers

03-10-2008 08:55:20

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to Texas Denny, 03-10-2008 08:32:32

Buy the way, what is the correct positioning of your hands when hand starting a B? I have an electric start but sometimes I use the hand crank just to prove I can do it.

Wayne

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Texas Denny

03-10-2008 11:30:13

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to carbonfibers, 03-10-2008 08:55:20

With the crank at the bottom, your fingers are wrapped around the crank and your thumb is on the same side of crank as the fingers. Pull up only so the crank is for 1/2 revolution. Never push down on the crank as this is the broken arm maneuver. Though I have done it myself many times, you should not try to spin the engine with the crank. You must put the thumb in opposition to your fingers to spin the crank. If a back fire occurs when you are pushing down with the thumb in opposition, a broken arm is possible when the crank instantly changes direction. If just the thumb is over the crank at back fire, the thumb will probably break. If it occurs on the upstroke, the crank is simply jerked down out of your hand. The only possible injury then is a possible bruise on the leg if standing too close to the crank.

Of course, a B's backfire is probably not enough to brake your arm. It happened to me with a WD. I believe I sprained my arm - slight sprain. It didn't break but wasn't right for over a week.

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El Toro

03-10-2008 17:31:42

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to Texas Denny, 03-10-2008 11:30:13

Take a look at this arm on this man in KY while cranking a one cylinder garden tractor. Hal

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Dick L

03-10-2008 11:53:49

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to Texas Denny, 03-10-2008 11:30:13

Actually I only use the 1/4 turn method. The pulley only having two places for the crank making it 1/2 turn from one position to the next, I ease the crank the first 1/4 turn and with my hands as stated pull up and out quick. This causes the crank to disengage even if it does not start.

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carbonfibers

03-11-2008 06:59:11

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to Dick L, 03-10-2008 11:53:49

Thanks, I like the quarter turn method. I will use it. It would be foolish for me to get hurt on a crank when the tractor has a good electric starter.

I have found that if a few quarter turns does not do it, you might as well jump aboard and use the starter. It usually starts with one quarter turn after it is warmed up.

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bjb in Ne

03-10-2008 08:00:02

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to sporty1975, 03-10-2008 07:00:21

I rebuilt a WC and after only a few hours of operation I was able to hand start it. Also my B is pretty easy to hand start if I shut it off by killing the ignition. The first start of my B sometimes takes a lot of hand cranking, but that is because I usually run it out of fuel and it sits for long periods of time. It also helps after the rebuild to make sure the gas tank is absolutely clean of rust scale.

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MMRTI

03-10-2008 12:07:11

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Re: Converting B to electric start in reply to bjb in Ne, 03-10-2008 08:00:02

I agree with DickL. I helped a friend do it and unless you have a lot of cheap parts it is not worth the effort. It turned into a big money pit. You need to get a starter and generator which are hard to find and expensive. You may have to drill and tap the block for the generator mount do all the wiring voltage control etc. I think my friend had remorse when done because I don't think he ever totally completed the project. Good luck

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