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Starting retired D17

D

Desert Rancher

Member
Was given a D 17 that has been sitting for about 2 yrs. Ran fine (so I"m told) when retired. Put in new fluids and fuel. Fuel tank was empty. Engine (gas) turns over and all 4 plugs seem to spark pretty hot. First 3 plugs are not fouled or wet, but very dry as if they are not getting fuel. Had 2 valves stuck (intake & exhaust cylinder #2), but they quickly came loose. All seem to work freely now. Only fires on #4 cylinder. Tractor will not start. Any ideas as to the problem or how to proceed? Any advice would be great, Thanks
 
#1 fill the cylinders with ATF and let it sit a few days. One that has been parked for very long will have sticking rings and that causes low compression and that in turn causes a no start up. Next double check the points and the point gap. Also you have a good chance that you have a clog main jet in the carb so a carb rebuild will most likely be a big help also. I only buy dead tractor so I can buy them cheap and fix them which is a hobby of mine
 
Stuck rings...Hmm, Never thought of that. Sure sounds like the ticket, though. Almost feel silly for not figuring that out. Many, many, thanks. Was going to run a compression test on it when I get back to where its sitting. Any ideas of what "good" compression would be? Sure appreciate your time and advice.
 
I have a D-17 that runs real good but when I got it the poor thing had what seemed to be a mouse next in 3 of the 4 cylinders. I did the ATF and all for 3 or 4 times and slowly got it to fire on one cylinder then 2 till it fired on all 4. Now it runs great and I use it to bale hay most years
 
This tractor has a loader and a blade on it. It's in a tight spot where I can't get to it to get it out of there without tearing things up without it moving under its own power. There isn't much farming done out here, but we have several miles of bad dirt road and a bucket is always handy around the ranch. Especially if you don't have one. I'll keep you posted and maybe bend your ear again when I get to the next hurdle.
 
If you can pull the plugs out and then put it in a low gear you maybe able to mve it 10-20 feet to get it so you can work on it. I have loaded many a tractor that way
 
I've got an old 'C' thats been waiting for time and money to get back into running shape. when I need to move it, I pull the plugs, put it in gear and crank the crank. That way it stays loose, and I can reliably move it without needing help. Perhaps you could get enough hydraulic pressure to do the same.
Tim in OR
 
Thanks everyone for the tips and advice. I hope to get back to it in a few days. I"ll post any updates and surprises. Thanks again and have a great Thanksgiving
 
Dry plugs 1-3 means no fuel to those cylinders - look for crud in intake manifold - rat nest or dirt dobers or ??? Or stuck valves - but unlikely all 3 cyl intakes stuck and not bent or free by now.
 
Got a chance to try the tractor again after having it set with some ATF in the cylinders. It came to life. Missed a little on one cylinder for a bit, but eventually hit smooth and hard on all four. Ran like a top! Re-checked compression and was 100psi or better all the way across. Many thanks for all the help from everyone. You all and this tractor is a huge blessing. Happy Thanksgiving
 
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