(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Let's Get this Rare Tractor Running!

R

RTR

Well-known Member
Got his old Gibson tractor recently. Never have seen one in person before. Would like to try and get the Wisconsin Engine running tonight. Does anyone know anything about these old engines and how to check spark, etc. ?
48777.jpg
48778.jpg
48779.jpg
48780.jpg
 
Father of one of my friends has one of those. Kind of interesting to
drive with the tiller steering. To check for spark, remove the plug,
hold onto the wire and have someone give it a yank.;)
 
One at the auction last month. They are medium grey and red. Clean
your points. They are a very novel tractor. Watch out cause they can
break you wrist if you catch a wheel. Keep us informed.
a159925.jpg
 
(quoted from post at 04:49:19 05/12/17) Father of one of my friends has one of those. Kind of interesting to
drive with the tiller steering. To check for spark, remove the plug,
hold onto the wire and have someone give it a yank.;)
Click to expand...

That is what I did but I didn't know which direction to turn the motor. Tried both directions and then I realized I could look up a video of someone cranking it to find rotation direction. Now when I turn it the magneto does nothing. Before it would make a click noise like an impulse clicking. Of course I was turning it slowly by hand using the rear drive pulleys.

I don't have a clue how to remove the magneto to investigate further.
 
To check for spark, lick your thumb and
index finger, grab hold of the spark plug
wire, and turn it over... lol, no don't do
that
 
2x on holding to the spark plug wire while someone cranks it over. But a less defribrillatory method would be to take a new or any spark plug out of a known running engine. Then hook it to the plug wire contact the plug's metal base to the metal of the engine. Then have someone crank it over while you watch for a nice blue spark to jump the plug gap. The mag should have a clack, clack sound while cranking as the impulse catches and releases the armature to quickly swing it by the electrical spark creating segment of its rotation.
 
(quoted from post at 05:30:56 05/12/17) 2x on holding to the spark plug wire while someone cranks it over. But a less defribrillatory method would be to take a new or any spark plug out of a known running engine. Then hook it to the plug wire contact the plug's metal base to the metal of the engine. Then have someone crank it over while you watch for a nice blue spark to jump the plug gap. The mag should have a clack, clack sound while cranking as the impulse catches and releases the armature to quickly swing it by the electrical spark creating segment of its rotation.
Click to expand...

I did that and used a rope on the rear drive pulleys (the front starter pulley is broken). I got no spark and the magnetobibly clicked 2 times with 3 different pulls.
 
Remove the spark plug. hold the end of the wire and have someone turn the engine over slowly. Sure to check the spark. LOL
 
(quoted from post at 05:45:37 05/12/17) Remove the spark plug. hold the end of the wire and have someone turn the engine over slowly. Sure to check the spark. LOL
Click to expand...

As I said in other posts I've already tried that. this isn't like the Farmall Cub Magneto I'm used to. I don't know how to remove this one and where to find the parts inside.
 
That would get the relationship off to a bang of a start.. LOL I figure if a man could not check the spark on a one cylinder engine he should learn the hard way and remember how.. LOL I know at 73 I have a lot of experience a lot of these guys do not have but I swear I think a lot of them ask questions on here before they think or just like to type. AND I will be the first to admit I have ask some pretty simple ones on here because you get a lot of different opinions, then one can just sort out the best reply. Have a good day
 
Didn't you give me that same advice a couple years back? Except I don't remember the "lol, no don't do that " part! :)
 
Sounds like the mag does need to come off and be gone through.

It shouldn't be too difficult to get it off, but first bring the piston up to top center on compression stroke, mark the coupling on the mag.

Looks like the flywheel cover shroud needs to come off to allow the mag to move back to disengage. It should be obvious what it takes to get it off.

Once it's off you can either take it apart and try to repair it, or send it to a mag specialty shop, let them take care of it.

But usually they can be repaired with just some cleaning , lubing, and TLC. Sounds like there are 2 problems, the impulse mechanism needs cleaning, and the points need cleaning and setting. Both are typical problems encountered from long term storage.

If that doesn't get it sparking, it will need to go to a repair shop.
 
Thanks for the help Steve. I was hoping the shroud didn't have to come off but that broken start pulley has to come off anyway. I'm just wondering if the bolts on the other side have to come off or if that is the governor or what it is. This is the first time I've been around one of these. A shop manual on the magneto, the engine, and the tractor would be awesome to find.
 
I used to watch my dad "crank" old hard starting engines by belting it up with another engine, with a half twist in the belt to get the right rotation. I have a couple Simplicity 2 wheel tractors, engines out in the open, which would be the type easy to use for that kind of thing.
 
That is a base mount mag. Take out the bolts from the bottom . It should slide out without taking off the shroud. I think I have a mag like that on the shelf. If not I have a couple good flange mount that I can use for parts if need be. Mark the coupler before you take it off.
 
(quoted from post at 07:04:07 05/12/17) That is a base mount mag. Take out the bolts from the bottom . It should slide out without taking off the shroud. I think I have a mag like that on the shelf. If not I have a couple good flange mount that I can use for parts if need be. Mark the coupler before you take it off.
Click to expand...

Oh wow great. I saw those bolts but didn't want to try stuff until I knew for sure. Mark the coupler? In might put it on TDC compression too. I'm scare to take it off and mess something up. It's dark now but I'm getting my flashlight and here goes!!!
 
The starting pulley unthreads...it is not keyed to the shaft..left to loosen(counterclockwise) most had a wick mag but the base mount Fairbanks
Morse was an option shown in the Wisconsin parts book. I have one tore down in the shop right now. I bought it back in the '60s and have used it
extensively in the garden, around the yard etc. I added hydraulics to mine and have used it to run the hay elevator and a wood splitter. After
all these years, the engine was getting tired so this spring I tore it down. I had to get the cylinder jug bored .020 over to true it up and
just received the gasket kit for it today, so hopefully sometime this month I will find time to put it back together. You will need to do a fair
bit is scrounging to find new engine parts, but they are out there. Good luck and have fun
 
RTR,That looks like a FM-XIA or a FM-XIB Base mount Magneto_Open your email and I will try to help you out with more info.
 
(quoted from post at 07:37:30 05/12/17) RTR,That looks like a FM-XIA or a FM-XIB Base mount Magneto_Open your email and I will try to help you out with more info.
Click to expand...

I think the mag says it is a model J

Not sure how to open the email but it is [email protected]

You can also find my Page "Alabama Tractor Pickers" on Facebook. Check it out and "like" or "follow" it!!!
 
(quoted from post at 08:11:05 05/12/17) RTR,My email is open just shoot me a email.Is that a model AENLD Wisconson?
Click to expand...

Here is a picture of the engine data tag. In believe it is the original engine and was made in January 1948. Looks like Model AEH
48785.jpg
 
(quoted from post at 22:24:00 05/11/17) A shop manual on the magneto, the engine, and the tractor would be awesome to find.
Click to expand...


Literally took me less than 5 seconds to find this- http://www.wiengines.com/support_repair_spec/26
 

Okay, YT won't let me post all the links without thinking I'm trying to take over the world, so it's going to take several posts.

Another 5 seconds, this isn't your exact mag, but very, very similar- http://gravelymanuals.com/pdf/Fairbanks_Morse_Magneto.pdf
 


5 more seconds- http://www.agkits.com/gibson-a-tractor-operators-and-parts-manual-htgi-bopa.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)%20Shopping&utm_term=1101204248525&utm_content=Tractor%20Manuals#.WRWjnsYpDIU
 


Another 2 seconds and you have not only the manual but a source for decals- https://www.bin derbooks.com/gardentrac.htm

take out the space in "bin derbooks"
 


And finally, 2 seconds later, the Gibson Tractor Club website- http://www.gibsontractors.com/


Really, use a search engine. It's easy. I use Bing. Google will get you the same basic thing but they store your' info and that not right IMO.
 
Thank you for the help! I would have done all of these searches today, but last night I was on my phone and was trying to keep up with all the replies I've gotten! It just isn't the same as far as productivity
and ease of searching when on a cell phone.
 
(quoted from post at 19:38:16 05/12/17) I have no idea how to even get to facebook and no interest in finding out.
Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with that but I finally caved and got on there when I found it the antique tractor community and presence there.
 
Forgot a something. Be sure to put all four belts back when you get
her done. Try to get 5hem all matched up. Also fix any slop.in
bushings and stuff. The other is one of the folks who come to the
Burrlington county fair have one. Think the story was no one ever
checked the transmission. The poor think was ripped to crap inside.
Had to find a good used one to the tune of a couple hundred. CHECK
yours!
 
(quoted from post at 04:11:08 05/14/17) Forgot a something. Be sure to put all four belts back when you get
her done. Try to get 5hem all matched up. Also fix any slop.in
bushings and stuff. The other is one of the folks who come to the
Burrlington county fair have one. Think the story was no one ever
checked the transmission. The poor think was ripped to crap inside.
Had to find a good used one to the tune of a couple hundred. CHECK
yours!
Click to expand...

Thank you! I will be checking it because it doesn't manure easy. No smototh detents. It's very stiff
 
(quoted from post at 06:29:46 05/14/17)
(quoted from post at 04:11:08 05/14/17) Forgot a something. Be sure to put all four belts back when you get
her done. Try to get 5hem all matched up. Also fix any slop.in
bushings and stuff. The other is one of the folks who come to the
Burrlington county fair have one. Think the story was no one ever
checked the transmission. The poor think was ripped to crap inside.
Had to find a good used one to the tune of a couple hundred. CHECK
yours!
Click to expand...

Thank you! I will be checking it because it doesn't SHIFT easy. No smototh detents. It's very stiff
Click to expand...
 

Does anyone out there know a good guy to rebuild this FB Magneto? I took it off last night and cleaned points really well and cleaned all contacts. Put it back on and no spark. Impulse seems tone working fine.
48839.jpg
48840.jpg
 

You have a good dog. Looks like he enjoys watching you take on different projects and keeps you company. Sorry I can't help with your problem but it helps to have a good dog.
 
(quoted from post at 02:35:04 05/15/17)
You have a good dog. Looks like he enjoys watching you take on different projects and keeps you company. Sorry I can't help with your problem but it helps to have a good dog.
Click to expand...

Thank you! Yes I agree and think about that every time he is out there with me. If you've followed my posts on here over the last 8 years I've been doing this stuff You'll see him in a lot of photos. Wish I had some of them on my phone to post, but they are at work with the rest of my old photos
 
(quoted from post at 13:02:43 05/14/17)
Does anyone out there know a good guy to rebuild this FB Magneto? I took it off last night and cleaned points really well and cleaned all contacts. Put it back on and no spark. Impulse seems tone working fine.
Click to expand...

I'd change out the condensor before sending it out to anyone. Without a known good condensor you won't get any spark. Look for bare wires or grounded wires too. Beyond that, any mag shop can rebuild them, real simple stuff as long as you can get the parts.
 
(quoted from post at 16:38:57 05/15/17)
(quoted from post at 13:02:43 05/14/17)
Does anyone out there know a good guy to rebuild this FB Magneto? I took it off last night and cleaned points really well and cleaned all contacts. Put it back on and no spark. Impulse seems tone working fine.
Click to expand...

I'd change out the condensor before sending it out to anyone. Without a known good condensor you won't get any spark. Look for bare wires or grounded wires too. Beyond that, any mag shop can rebuild them, real simple stuff as long as you can get the parts.
Click to expand...

Ok thank you. I will see if I can chase down the part Number and get one.
 
(quoted from post at 15:38:16 05/12/17) I have no idea how to even get to facebook and no interest in finding out.
Click to expand...

It's easy f a c e b o o k. com. Go ahead, it won't bite. You might even have some fun and hook up with some old friends or make some new one, like on this forum.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

O
Looking for another idea.
2 3
Replies
42
Views
2K
rustred
rustred
M
Farmall 140 Cylinder gets tight after one minute of running.
Replies
17
Views
585
560Dennis
560Dennis
E
63 4010 with low power issue , perhaps
2
Replies
22
Views
880
Eric_RCM
E
L
Ford 535 Loader Tractor (Looking for input)
Replies
4
Views
194
lkell93
L
M
Running Rough and I'm out of Ideas
Replies
17
Views
1K
Mnethercutt
M
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top