What things do you check on a tractor been in a shed for 7yr

Jake96

New User
Hello there,

Just asking on what checks would you do to a International W4 Tractor that has been sitting in the shed and hasn't been start for about 7-8 years. So just asking if there is things required to check on the tractor before we attempt to start the tractor. Do we need to change any thing like Spark Leads, Spark Plugs, Check Magneto, etc.

If anyone can assist in the list of how to start a tractor been sitting for many years.
Regards, Jake.
 
Air in tires.
Fluid levels in radiator, differential, hydraulic fluid, oil. Look for water!
Check inside distributor cap for the condition of the cap and points.
Pull the spark plugs and check'em.
Drain the gas and clean the water separator bowl. Use fresh gas.
Pull the battery and charge it and clean all the contacts.
Remove the valve cover, turn it over by hand and watch the valves to make sure they are not stuck.

I'm sure the others will have items I've overlooked. Good luck!
 
(quoted from post at 04:23:45 06/12/19) Air in tires.
Fluid levels in radiator, differential, hydraulic fluid, oil. Look for water!
Check inside distributor cap for the condition of the cap and points.
Pull the spark plugs and check'em.
Drain the gas and clean the water separator bowl. Use fresh gas.
Pull the battery and charge it and clean all the contacts.
Remove the valve cover, turn it over by hand and watch the valves to make sure they are not stuck.

I'm sure the others will have items I've overlooked. Good luck!

Thank you for your support and assistance. Regards Jake
 
A several additions to Olyj1947's excellent suggestions:

1 - With the plugs out, squirt a tablespoon or so of engine oil into each cylinder.

2 - While the rocker box is still off liberally oil the rockers/valve stems. (I simply pour a quart of so of oil over everything under the box....)

3 - Before hitting the starter, bar the engine over a couple revolutions to spread the oil and insure there is no internal problem preventing rotation. If you have the hand crank, use it for this(!)

4 - With the plugs still out, roll the engine with the starter until the oil pressure gage starts to move. This insures oil to the main and rod bearings before the engine fires.

Good luck - the W4 is a good tractor!
 

A lot of excellent suggestions here. But I would ask--are you planning to drive it out of that shed or are you just trying to decide if you should buy it? For the initial inspection I just check a couple things: 1. Is it stuck? (put some tension on the belt and see if you can turn it with the fan). 2. Is there coolant in it? If so, chances are the block is not cracked. 3. Does it shift through the gears? 4. Do the tires hold air?

If it passes those tests, drag it home. Once you get it into your own shop you can do all the other things that have been mentioned and eventually get your new prize running.
 
If you are looking to buy it, buy it as a non-running tractor. DO NOT GET IT STARTED, the price will double.
 
One like that I would fill the cylinders with ATF and also pour it down the exhaust and let it sit a few days before even spinning it over. Good chance it has sticking rings and or valves
 
The tractor was running before it went in the shed. I was an ex student from the Ag School and they are coming up to cleaning out there shed. This is where there farm utes are and the tractor. So they have offered the tractor to me and said I can have it free of charge as they would like it to go to a good home. So I was just asking these questions on getting it started after sitting for so long. Thanks to all for there support.
Regards Jake
 
Loosen the drain plugs until oil comes out. I pulled a 400 home that had water in the rear end. It was so milky that I had to replace it all. The water never did settle out.
 

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