(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

How to put electric start on a 1938, JD-B

N

Nella

New User
Is it possible to make a 1938, JD-B electric start? Where do you get the parts/pieces? Thanks for
any help you can give me!
 

You need a flywheel with the ring gear, starter, and a new transmission cover plate with the starter mount.

All those pieces can be found at swap meets on in the classifieds.
 
It can be done. Somebody will correct me if I am wrong, but I think the parts need to come from an electric start 1939 or 1940 "B". 1941 and newer might not work.
 
I put electric start on my '44 A. Used starter;flywheel/ringear;cover; top crankcase cover..... from a 'slant dash' tractor.Pd $200 for the 'kit'. Bolted right on.
 
Nearly anything can be done if you throw enough time and money at it!

NONE of my business what you do, but you have a unique old tractor, please at least consider leaving it original/unmolested/as it left the factory.

Heck, a guy can never have too many tractors, how about keeping your CLASSIC tractor "original" and finding another toy a little newer that already has electric start?
 
I did the same with my 44 A, nice part if you save all the parts removed they can be reinstalled to make it original. But if your shoulders
are wore out, I will gladly push the starter lever to start a tractor I can use. I switched my to 12 volt system using a Late Model G starter
with a Slant dash A Wheel. Then changed the whole pulley & clutch from a 52 model A & 1st reduction gear, along with the distributor & the drawbar
& frame from the 52 A along with the later style rockshaft housing & power troll so I could install the Battery under the seat. Later added a float
ride seat from 620 & will soon add some type of a power steering system for a tractor I won't use a lot?? Does that make sense? I must add my 44 A
Went through a Tornado in 1985 & it really needed all those parts replaced plus a lot more. If I could find the right priced split pedestal from a
Model A I might have a Place to install the spare rollamatic I have? I do have one that is broke from the 52 A that I won't trust if repaired.
 
If the timing is set right it should start by had real easy. Had a 40 B that was a pain to start when my buddy had it, after I acquired the tractor I went through the manual and re-timed it and checked all my gaps. The thing would start usually on the first turn of the flywheel in the summer, in the winter it still took a number of throws to get going.

But to your question, I've googled and seen many tractors of that era converted. Like the others have said swap meets, craigslist, junk yards or the classifieds would be your best bet.
 
Deere did I believe have the parts from factory that fit the B but only put them on one of the standard series BR, BI or BO. I know there were kits made for the A to convert but not sure what all was required. The parts from a BR up to 46 might be just what you need as they were an unstyled tractor. I know the 39-46 BR had a bigger piston but don't know about other changes. Was at a show over the weekend and one there had a homemade starter mount welded to top crank case cover. But starter was missing along with ring gear where the fltwheel was turned to have one put on at one time. I myself would rather see an unstyled A or B with the complete electric system put on than a tractor without.
 
I just went to the Deere parts lookup site and they do have avaible on line the parts books that show what all you need and the starter is same for the unstyled B, BR and Bo, same as generator. I did not go that far but you can with that check also the parts books for the newer styled tractors and if they have same parts numbers they will fit from the newer tractors. As I said I would love to see them updated to make them bore user friendly with the electrical system that was made avaible for them but most restores take that off because they think it is not right to have it on as it spoils the tractor but I see it as imporving it.
 
I wonder if a starter generator from a small engine would work? It should if you open the petcocks. Just bolt a bracket to the frame so you don't spoil anything by welding. A belt around the flywheel would make it charge good too.
 
.
a276255.jpg
 
Just so you know. This thread is 6 years old and Andy last signed in over 3 years ago, at least under that username. There is a chance he will get an email (if he is still using the same email), the way the new forum software works. Just passing it on so you don't think he is ignoring you if he doesn't answer.
 
An early small displacement B . All Fuel low compression . Compression relief petcocks . My 83yr old Mother could hand start that tractor .
 
buickanddeere said:
An early small displacement B . All Fuel low compression . Compression relief petcocks . My 83yr old Mother could hand start that tractor .
Click to expand...
B & D, but does she WANT to? Same position can be taken by the OP!
Antiquer 57, welcome to YT! I am guessing by your wording you are looking for parts to make
this a swap over with factory parts such as Wondergem has offered? You have to come back and direct us a bit or this is all for nothing. Having you post tacked onto the end of an old post does not necessarily help your situation as Jim pointed out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

acorn
Unusual Seat on 1938 B
Replies
4
Views
414
Mike(NEOhio)
M
M
2000 Bobcat 753
Replies
3
Views
251
BarnyardEngineering
BarnyardEngineering
timcasbolt
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard horizontal shaft engines
Replies
14
Views
1K
timcasbolt
timcasbolt
W
JD EA145G
Replies
7
Views
349
wore out
wore out
D
Bought a motorcycle
Replies
7
Views
709
Janicholson
Janicholson
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