Farmall BN charging system

I dont like to let that genny and VR run wide open and not see a load like a big battery electron bank cuz thats how the genny n VR system is designed to operate and regulate things with that battery as a reference n stabilizer.

For long storage periods I recommend the oil be changed PRIOR to storage cuz the fresh oil wont have all the acids n left over contaminants. Over the winter one could periodically remove the plugs n squirt oil down the cylinders n crank her over to exercise the rings n valves n oil up the cylinder walls. I agree with Bob if youre not gonna let her run long enough to get her hot to dry out all the moisture n acids I wouldnt start her at all.

As far as gas, I recommend the use of Sta Bil plus I mix in some low ash marine combustible 2 cycle oil in cuz its my opinion it may leave some oil residue on the carbs interior n other places to reduce oxidation. I also run gumout in the gas to try n keep the carb cleaner. Store it with the carb drained (after the sta bil n 2 cycle oil has been used so its residue remains in the carb) and then before I restart I let the gas run a good while with the carbs drain opened to wash n flush n clean out the needle valve n seat area.

Its not as easy for you IHC 4 banger guys but on my 2 cylinder Deeres I like to store them wiht the ignition points left open

best wishes

John T

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1 - My experience has been causes no harm to run the tractor with the stock 6 volt generator system without the battery connected. I’ve run them batteryless for as long as a couple hours with no apparent ill effects.

On the other hand I DO NOT recommend it! The tractor depends on the battery to ballast/stabilize the electrical system – it’s uncertain to me what’s going on inside the regulator under these condition. I'd rather gamble the $40 or so for a replacement regulator on something else!

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2 – Unless you can put your BN under load and bring the engine up to full operating temperature for ½ hour or more, my recommendation is to not start it at all over the winter.

Periodically starting, then idling without load results in buildup of combustion byproducts (moisture, acids, etc.) inside the engine. Better to simply let it sit unstarted all the winter.

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FWIW except for my snowplow tractor, all mine winter over in an unheated shed from mid-December until late April here in chilly western NY. I leave the batteries in and connected. And the tractors always fire up without so much as a battery boost once warmer weather returns.

Simply top off the gas tank and treat it with fuel stabilizer, then run the carburetor dry when you park for the winter. Pull the battery if you wish and store it in a cool, dry place. But my experience is this step is unnecessary as long as the battery is fully charged when the tractor is put away.