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"...but in the long run..." Quote: "...should I run...?" It depends on what you want. If you have a farm, ranch, or other property to run and you're going to need to use the tractor soon, I'd look elsewhere. My normal contention is that if the owner says something along the lines of, "It runs but I can't start it (or turn it over) right now because...," it usually DOESN'T run. As an example, consider the statement, "Battery was dead, so it would not turnover....." Why didn't he just jump start it? Even if it's six volts, it can easily and safely be jumped from any 12 volt car long enough to determine if the motor will turn over! All of the above assumes, though, that you want to use this tractor sometime soon. If you don't mind a project, it could be okay; but your level of mechanical expertise enters into the question of whether this is a good project for you personally. Here are some things to look for when looking at a tractor that has been sitting a while outside: Ignition components. If they show signs of weathering, they may need to be replaced. Check the wires for cracking and discoloration. The points will probably need to be replaced in any event. Rust in the fuel system. Another common problem resulting from outdoor storage. Pull the drain plug, or the fuel line and look for good fuel flow, a stream about the diameter of the line. Let it run through for a good long while. Look for flakes of rust in the bottom of the gas tank. Means the tank will have to be replaced/reconditioned. And, find out FOR YOURSELF if it will turn over. There is a big difference between resuscitating a stuck engine and one that's free. One hears lots of stories of tractors that were stuck and ran well after judicious use of MMO and a tuneup, but STATISTICALLY speaking most stuck tractors need a rebuild to be reliable farming machines again. And, I got flamed the last time I mentioned this to a potential tractor buyer, but if the motor WILL turn over, check the compression. You can at least listening to pistons go past top dead center on the compression stroke. They should all do so evenly, all making the same amount of noise. A noise like, "UH-UH-UH-(whiff!) -UH-UH-UH-(whiff!)" can mean a stuck valve or worse. Good luck.
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