What should I Do 1946 A

I have a 1946 jd A that is running not great but it fires up. It needs a total overhaul/rebuild but I don t know where to start. I would love to do the work my self and get a machine shop to bore the block but it costs more to rebuild than buy an already running tractor. Any recommendations on books or manuals that would help me in tearing the block down and removing pistons etc would be great!

It depends on how you look at it. If it would be an enjoyable hobby/escape for you then go for it. I understand the money involved is also an issue. A new
tractor would be more efficient and get more done quickly, do you have the time to overhaul one? I have three Farmall M tractors. They are not efficient by
today's standards but I like them and have dropped tons of money in them. Ellis

Im assuming you know it needs a "total overhaul"...? Smoking really bad or vales are burnt? Fix what you need to -to make it
run good. If it does need an overhaul- find a friend or neighbor to help you and go for it.(if you are not sure how to )

The very best and first place to start in a shop manual!

It is not expensive, used ones available on Ebay.

Start studying it, read it cover to cover, several times. Put yourself back in the day, get into the mindset of the engineers who designed it.

Then decide what you want to do. Those old gas engines were built to last, to run even under less than perfect conditions. Unlike today's equipment that is designed to put you at the mercy of the dealership, those were designed to go to the far reaches of the world, never to see the dealer again, and be field serviceable with basic tools and the need to keep it running.

Unless the engine is in really poor condition, and obviously it's not because it will still run, chances are it can be gone through fairly economically.

A lot depends on what you do with the tractor. If it still works for a living, it will need to be brought back close to factory specs, which will be in the shop manual.

If it's more for fun and show, you can get by with fixing oil leaks, honing it out and putting in a set of rings and bearings, having the head worked.

If you have a local machine shop that you trust, they can make the needed measurements and recommendations, work up a price, supply the fitted parts, you put it together.

Just be sure to have a plan going in, don't get overwhelmed or discouraged. Have a clean place to work, take lots of pictures, stay organized, ask all the questions you want.

You can do this!

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]Any recommendations on books or manuals that would help me in tearing the block down and removing pistons etc would be great![/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

Highly recommend the following:



Note that there is NO service manual for the Model "A" tractor.

Hope this helps enjoy your 1946 Model A.

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Please tell us where you are located. There may be a kindred spirit nearby to help advise you.

Just because it doesn't run great doesn't mean it needs an overhaul. I'd run a compression test first. If it's within limits or
anywhere close, I'd call it good enough. It may just need a good tune-up and/or a carb cleaning.