1945 model A

Ray Durham · Mar 29, 2019

My tractor is hand start. I went to start it yesterday and with both petcocks open. Gas would spew out of the petcock on the flywheel side like it always does but nothing was coming out of the petcock on the pulley side. I even took the petcock out on the pulley side but no gas spewed out. Is this an indication of maybe a stuck intake valve? As I turned the flywheel the compression was very strong as usual. How do I further diagnose and resolve this issue? Thanks.

Randy G · Mar 29, 2019

1st thing to do is remove the valve cover and check valve movement. You will need a new gasket after removing.

Ray Durham · Mar 29, 2019

Randy...After I removed the valve cover today I could see motion on all the valves. I tried to start the tractor and it started...there was also gas spewing from the petcocks on both sides during the starting process. I wonder if after all the effort to start the tractor yesterday caused the intake valve on the right cylinder to unstick overnight. Ordered a new valve cover gasket. Would you use anything to make the gasket stick to the head (such as grease or gasket sealer) before the cover is replaced? Thanks

Randy G · Mar 29, 2019

I would use a gasket sealer to attach the gasket to the cover and head. Clean the contact surfaces of the head and cover. I use brake cleaner. Apply sealer to both those surfaces as well as both sides of the gasket. Let the sealer get tacky to the touch. Apply the gasket to the cover and mount to the head. Tighten down evenly watching to make sure the gasket does not "squish" out. Do not over tighten. Let sit for a few days and run to check for leaks. These instructions are for cork or paper gaskets. They used to make rubber gaskets and sealant was not always needed. Hopefully.... no leaks!!

George by Geneva, NY · Mar 29, 2019

Might want to take a look at the reply I posted 8 posts newer. Looks like you have a lack of fuel shut off issue. If the carb allows fuel to overflow, you get excessive fuel in usually one cylinder. This often results in oil getting past the rings and diluting the engine oil.

Pappy · Mar 30, 2019

When you replace the valve cover, it will sag down and not fit the gasket properly. Support the valve cover so that it matches the gasket properly as you tighten the nuts.

Ray Durham · Mar 30, 2019

Thanks Pappy. I plan to attach the new gasket to the valve cover using a pliable tacky sealer first then attach the valve cover back on the head where I will use some of the same sealer. Maybe this and bottom support like you suggest will make it an easy job.

1945 model A

Ray Durham

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Randy G

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Ray Durham

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Randy G

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George by Geneva, NY

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Pappy

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Ray Durham

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