Starting AC WD45 after not running 9 years

Hello everyone,

I have a couple of my Grandpas AC tractors just setting going to waste.  Both are WD45. I want to get them up and running (well at least one of them for now).  They have been setting unused for about 8-9 years now(stored inside some barns).  I know there is going to be a lot of things I need to do before trying to start them.  I have been trying to find out as much information as I can to make sure I do everything the best way.

I was going to start with cleaning all the old oil and replace it, then rebuilding the carburetor.  I’m going to need to purchase a new battery (other one was stolen), Going to need new spark plugs, empty the gas tank and lines, and drain the radiator too. I know there is plenty more I can should do? 

 

Any and everything someone has to add can be helpful.  

I know this will take a lot of time and some money. 

Thanks

Gore

Don't spend any $$$ just yet !!!!  You start by making sure each engine will turn over by hand !!!   If the engines are free, you can proceed from there with oil changes, etc.

If the engines are free, and you know they ran when parked then I'd be tempted to move a little faster.  Check the fluid levels.  Drain any old gas.  Clean the sediment bowl and carb float bowl.  Add new/fresh gas.  Clean the contacts on the points.  Then try to fire them up.  These old tractors will run even when things aren't perfect.  If they start you will have a number of things that will need your attention and $$$.  If they don't start, save your $$$, or get ready to spent a lot.  

And, Welcome to the forum Gore! We've had a few new Hoosiers pop in the last few days.

I do not have much history about the tractors other than I know my grandpa ran them a lot when I was a kid.  He never complained about them not working or acting up.   He just stopped using them because he got older and was unable to.  

There is some stuff called START that you put in the gas that will clean varnish, dirt etc. out of the carb. better than anything else I've used to get the carb. cleaned up so that it runs better. Can save you the pullin the carb. and going to the extra work.

Yeah... when I'm in this situation, I take a 5-gallon can of gas, a couple quarts of oil, a 1 gallon plastic temporary tank, a battery, two two-gallon jugs of coolant, a couple 14ga jumper wires, flashlight, spare spark plug of ANY type, my Tilly hat, and a can of spray lube.  WD-40 works okay for WDs but it may not quite be enough for WD-45s...

ALWAYS check the oil first.  If it's too high, pull the drain plug for a moment, and see if water or coolant come out.  Try to turn the crank over by hand first... trans in neutral, PTO disengaged, and see if it'll turn... feel for compression on each cylinder. 

If the coolant level is low or non-existant, that doesn't mean it won't run, just don't let it run for long, okay?

Remove the sediment bowl, Disconnect the fuel line from carb, Pull the carb drain plug... drain all three into some old container suitable for re-use as an 'accellerant'.  Don't be surprised if it doesn't smell like gasoline, and don't be surprised if it's talking to you in Greek as it drips out.

Connect temporary tank to carb, run a little fuel into it, and let it rinse the carb... then close the carb drain.  If it doesn't overflow out the throat, you're a lucky man... the float and needle are working.

Hook up battery, bump starter (make sure bendix doesn't stick).
Turn on ignition, disconnect coil wire, lay it close to something groundish, and turn hand crank or bump starter- look for spark.  If not, follow Gerald's suggestions to the letter.

once you have spark, reconnect wires, put on your hat, pull choke, hit starter, and prepare ye to recieve a raining halo of dirt, rust, and burning mouse-nest embers.