Got my Super C running

A few weeks ago I bought a hedge row Super C at an auction. I don't how long its been sitting or why it was sitting but the motor was loose and I've been lucky as I have been getting it ready to try and start. The starter works, I broke off the drain pipe to the radiator but the pieces came out so a new pipe would screw in, cleaned about a quarter inch of tar from the gas tank and cleaned the carb although I have given up on the carb as it has one of the tabs to bolt it on is broken off. After several other things to get ready to start it today we towed it and after a few feet it start up. The biggest thing I wanted to do is determine what all needs to be done so I can buy parts over the winter and get the tractor useful for next year. It ran pretty well but one thing it did was smoke really bad. I'm assuming some of the rings are stuck. Since the motor wasn't stuck I'd like to try something with the rings before tearing it apart. What would you suggest? I know some of you will say tear it apart but I would like to use it for a while and spend the money on something else - like better tires for the back, if possible. This is my first super and I'm excited to have it.

I would change oil 10-30 and new plugs after checking the tappets to make sure all valves are operating. Then use it for a time after some engine hrs then pull plugs and check them and same time take a compression check and then you can go from there. Who cares if the engine smokes some other things like tranny,tires,brakes and charging system need to be in good working condition and you haven't spent a huge amount of money.

Pour some ATF in each cylinder and let it sit a few days. Put the plug back in so as to keep dirt etc. out of the engine. Then after sitting a few days pull the plugs and spin it over to clear the ATF out of the cylinders and fire it up. At first it will smoke badly but should clear up after it warms up

I've done the oil, made sure all valves were working and checked compression before I got it started. Without doing anything compression was around 50 on all cylinders. I know that's lower than it should be but if the rings are stuck then it would be low. I got to drive it around - no noise in any gear, no breaks, clutch at the end of adjustment. I had to tape a bit of wiring and looks like the regulator isn't working. Its typical of a tractor that age that has sat around for a long time in the brush.I don't even dare to tighten the old fan belt. I knew the possibilities when I bought it - its not my first basket case tractor. Unlike other tractors I have bought this one isn't going to be too bad for cost to have a usable tractor. I expect to be cultivating corn with it next year.

Charlie M,

Sounds good I run it around a bit more being very careful about the "no brakes" then do another compression test.

Not sure if IH published compression spec's, not seeing it in my Farmall manual, but would hope for something a bit over 100psi.

Then after a bit of running I'd drain all fluids including coolant and if compression is coming up run it!

Nice work on the Super C. Mine was pretty well used up when I got it but ran and I was just going to plow snow. One thing led to another and it's a useful fun little tractor. Think I bought it about 1992 or 3.

That's pretty much what my plan is. I'm going to take Old's advice about the ATF for the rings before starting it again. I've got flat ground so brakes aren't a huge deal at the moment. I'm going to see if
there is any adjustment to them. I have to replace the fan belt before I run it any more. The fan belt isn't tight enough to run the water pump and I don't dare to tighten it any more as it is not in good
shape. I ordered both belts today so I have a few days to soak the rings before the belts get here. I told my wife I wouldn't spend any more money on it this year so don't tell I bought both belts and an oil
gauge. LOL

Was this the one over at Kendall?

Yes it was - were you there?

Nice work on the Super C. Mine was pretty well used up when I got it but ran and I was just going to plow snow. One thing led to another and it's a useful fun little tractor. Think I bought it about 1992 or 3.

get it to operating temperature, even cover the rad and put it under load and work it as hard as it will take it. pretend your breaking in an engine. that will do a lot more for the rings than just dumping oil on the pistons. you can add some the oil to the gas. had a massey 44 special that sat for a lot of years. it would smoke idling. did that and fixed it.